In any case, presently, Erik Cantu Jr. is giving his family something to grin about. “After 6 long weeks and by the grace of God along with all the prayers sent by the masses we are emerging successfully from this unfortunate event!!!” Erik’s father, Erik Cantu Sr., wrote in an update on the family’s GoFundMe account.

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“You’re quick to see this grin and I’m one pleased father to see this young fellow contend energetically to be here.” Erik’s battle for his life started on Oct. 2 when San Antonio Police Department officer James Brennand opened the entryway of Erik’s vehicle — who was eating a hamburger in a McDonald’s parking parcel — and advised him to get out.

Within minutes, which was captured on the youngster officer’s bodycam, Brennand started shooting when Cantu attempted to drive away. Brennand shot on numerous occasions into the vehicle and continued shooting as the vehicle moved away. He shot at least multiple times, and struck Erik in his stomach, liver, lungs, and diaphragm, Texas Public Radio reports.

There was also a 17-year-old female passenger in the car at the hour of the shooting who was unharmed, according to an incident report obtained by Individuals. Brennand was initially at the McDonald’s responding to an unrelated disturbance call when he detected Cantu’s vehicle, which he alleged had “evaded from him the night earlier,” according to the incident report.

— Chewy (@ChewyWishy) November 17, 2022

Brennand thought the vehicle was taken. According to KSAT, the San Antonio Police Department confirmed the plates didn’t match the vehicle, yet said the vehicle was not taken.

Two days later, Brennard, 27, was terminated from the police department and charged with two felony counts of first-degree aggravated assault by a community worker.

It is unclear whether Brennard has obtained an attorney to speak on his behalf. He is planned for a pre-hearing on Nov. 23.

For now, the Cantu family is celebrating Erik’s improvement, while also preparing for the adolescent’s extensive road to recuperation.

“We actually have one more potential medical procedure and long stretches of time and years of rehab,” Erik’s father expressed, “however he’s proving he can make it happen.”