The name of the man who was killed by an Illinois State Trooper after an incident on I-64 in Jefferson County was released early this morning.
Investigators have identified the deceased individual as Brandon L. Griffin of Albuquerque, NM. Griffin had a female passenger with him at the time of the incident. The female was unharmed.
According to the latest from the investigation, at 3:00 AM Tuesday, an ISP Trooper on Interstate 64 eastbound at mile post 72, stopped to assist a stranded motorist on the right shoulder. Upon arrival, the Trooper encountered Griffin and a female passenger in the vehicle. A second ISP Officer arrived for routine assistance a short time later. While on the scene, an altercation occurred during which gunfire was exchanged between Griffin and a responding officer. A 16-year ISP officer suffered serious, although non-life threatening, injuries after being shot during the altercation and is being treated at a regional hospital. Griffin was pronounced deceased on scene by Jefferson County Coroner’s Office personnel.
Initially, all lanes of Interstate 64 eastbound were closed, but were reopened at approximately 6:25 a.m. Eastbound lanes were temporarily shut down again at 7:48 a.m. as part of the investigation, but reopened at 8:53 a.m.
This investigation is open and ongoing. ISP is currently processing evidence and conducting interviews. Upon completion of the investigation, all evidence and facts will be submitted for review to the Jefferson County State’s Attorney’s Office. No additional information is available at this time.
