The family thought they would have an answer in 30 days, but they say they are still waiting.
SAN ANTONIO — The family of a 16-year-old who was shot by police more than one month ago stood beside him in juvenile court Tuesday morning during a detention hearing.
They said they want the teen, who is accused of attacking two police officers with knives, released from detention so that he will have adequate health care.
The family said they thought they would see action within 30 days of the Sept. 8 event, but court officials said the deadline clock didn’t start until the teen got out of the hospital and had his first detention hearing days later. Another issue is that it’s not calendar days, the court counts only business days.
“He’s just in limbo,” the teen’s father told Judge William Cruz Shaw. “From my understanding there are no charges against him.”
Relatives said without formal charges, while he remains locked up, the teen hasn’t been able see his regular doctors.
“He is missing a lot of school and all his medical appointments that are hard to get back,” the teen’s mother said.
Shaw told the teen he wants him to get the mental health help he needs.
“As soon as that case gets filed I can sign the order so you can talk to a doctor,” Shaw said.
The teen has been in detention since he was released from the hospital.
San Antonio police said he was shot twice when he attacked two officers with knives in his south-side neighborhood on Dickson Avenue.
The family and court personnel agreed the teen, who has a long history of health issues, has been doing well in detention.
Shaw told the family, “I want to make sure we’re doing everything appropriate before he gets out on the street.”
Court officials said the teen will return for his next detention hearing on October 24.