Driver Yelled Out Own Name While Trying to Run Over Ex-Cop who Allegedly Shot Teen: Police

A dramatic incident unfolded outside a Texas courthouse when a man allegedly attempted to run over a former police officer who is currently facing criminal charges himself. The suspect, identified as James Michael Cox, 58, is accused of trying to hit ex-San Antonio police officer James Brennand with a vehicle on March 26 in a courthouse parking lot in Bexar County. Authorities have not disclosed a motive behind the confrontation. Brennand was at the courthouse due to his ongoing legal proceedings in a high-profile case from 2022, in which he shot an unarmed teenager who was eating in a car. The former officer was fired shortly after the incident and now faces charges stemming from that shooting.

Confrontation in Courthouse Parking Lot

According to police reports, the confrontation occurred in the courthouse parking lot when Cox allegedly approached Brennand and made a bold statement: “I’m James Michael Cox.” After the brief verbal exchange, Cox fled the scene, prompting an investigation. Authorities later charged Cox with assault with a deadly weapon in Bexar County. He was arrested in neighboring Medina County, where he also faces charges of evading arrest with a motor vehicle and resisting arrest. A warrant for his arrest was issued on April 1, several days after the incident. Law enforcement has not released additional information about whether Cox and Brennand knew each other or if the attempted assault was related to Brennand’s legal troubles.

Brennand’s Own Legal Battle

The alleged victim, James Brennand, was dismissed from the San Antonio Police Department following a widely publicized 2022 shooting that left 17-year-old Erik Cantu seriously injured. The incident occurred in a fast-food restaurant parking lot, where Brennand had responded to an unrelated disturbance. During his time at the restaurant, Brennand claimed he recognized Cantu’s vehicle from an earlier attempted traffic stop related to a license plate issue. According to police and bodycam footage, Brennand approached the vehicle, opened the driver’s side door, and ordered Cantu to exit. When the teen put the vehicle in reverse, the officer reached into the car and began shooting. Cantu was unarmed at the time and sustained multiple injuries. The footage of the shooting sparked outrage and led to Brennand’s termination. He was later charged with aggravated assault by a public servant.

Ongoing Proceedings and Legal Fallout

As the legal process continues, Brennand’s case remains under close public scrutiny. A status conference is scheduled for May 30, which may determine how the case proceeds. Meanwhile, the new charges involving Cox have added another complex layer to the already controversial case. Whether or not the two incidents are connected beyond coincidence is still unclear, but both highlight ongoing tensions surrounding law enforcement accountability and public response. Authorities are expected to release more details as the investigations into both Brennand’s and Cox’s cases move forward.