Teenager shot by San Antonio,Texas cop in McDonald's parking lot returns home from hospital

The family of a teenager who was left fighting for his life after being shot by a San Antonio cop in a McDonald's parking lot have said their 'prayers have been answered' after he was finally released from hospital.

Erik Cantu, 17, arrived home in time for Thanksgiving almost two months after the incident, his family confirmed in a statement Wednesday.

Cantu was shot numerous times by Texas police officer James Brennand as he reversed his car while eating a hamburger on October 2. 

Cantu's parents said they're 'overjoyed at his progress in the past two weeks,' but that he 'still has a long road to recovery'.

Cantu (pictured arriving back home) was shot numerous times by Texas police officer James Brennand. The teenager's parents said they're 'overjoyed at his progress in the past two weeks,' but that he 'still has a long road to recovery'

Brennand (pictured) was charged with two counts of aggravated assault by a public official and was fired from the police force. Police said Brennand did not adhere to police procedures and training after he approached the car, which they said he thought was stolen

Body camera footage from the shooting on October 2 shows how Brennand fired a total of 10 shots at Cantu, who was eating McDonald's at the time, after suspecting him of stealing the car

'Our family's prayers have been answered, and we are incredibly grateful that our son Erik is home with us,' the family said in a statement posted on Twitter by their attorney Ben Crump.  

They added: 'It means the world to us that we can spend Thanksgiving as a family outside of the hospital walls, where we have lived since Erik was horribly injured.

'We are thankful for many blessings this week – Erik's strength, everyone who has supported us through Erik's hospitalization, and the grace of God. Thank you.'

A GoFundMe account set up for Cantu has raised $47,000 so far.

Cantu's uncle Ruben Carranco previously posted a message that said the teenager 'remains in critical condition, on life support' in University Hospital, San Antonio, describing his injuries as 'severe'. 

The GoFundMe account that has been set up for Cantu (pictured) has raised $47,000 so far. On Wednesday his family posted: 'He is HOME! We took FAITH in the Lord and leaned on all your prayers to see this day!'

He said the funds raised will be used towards Cantu's medical bills and to help his parents provide care. 

Earlier this month the family said he was awake and interacting with people after coming off a ventilator, the San Antonio Express-News reported.

Police said Brennand was responding to an unrelated disturbance when he spotted the teenager inside a car that he believed had run past him the previous day during an attempted traffic stop. 

After the incident the 27-year-old rookie cop was charged with two counts of aggravated assault by a public official and was fired from the police force.

Police said Brennand did not adhere to police procedures and training after he approached the car, which they said he thought was stolen.

Despite the car's registration plates fitting those of the vehicle, it was not stolen, according to police.

According to his LinkedIn page, Brennand previously served in the US Army as a military dog handler. He enlisted in 2016. Brennand was stationed outside of Seatte

In body camera footage released by police, Brennand opens the door of his vehicle and orders Cantu to exit. 

The car then reverses with the door open, and the officer shoots at the vehicle several times, continuing to do so as the car drives off. 

A GoFundMe post from Cantu's family on Wednesday said:  'He is HOME! We took FAITH in the Lord and leaned on all your prayers to see this day!

'We didn't know what the future held weeks back. 

'Today we know with faith, prayers, family, love, amazing doctors and nursing staff along with tons of future rehabilitation, that our miracle stands a chance!!

'This is Erik's miracle!'