Brandon Griffin killed in shootout with police near Mount Vernon

Brandon Griffin died Tuesday during an armed confrontation with state police along a freeway near Mount Vernon, Illinois. The fatal encounter occurred after officers identified Griffin during a roadside stop for a disabled vehicle.

Two Illinois state troopers stopped along Interstate 64 to help a couple in a broken-down SUV. Trouble started when the man and woman inside the vehicle gave false identities.

A trooper learned Griffin had an active warrant from Lincoln County, New Mexico. The warrant accused Griffin of trespassing on private property and firing shots at a property owner. He then failed to appear in court.

His wife, Christine Santos, was with him during both incidents. Officers tried to handcuff Griffin. They also tried to stop Santos from getting back inside the vehicle.

Officers called for backup to regain control. Griffin broke free. Griffin told officers that they were going to have to shoot him. One trooper used a taser on Griffin near the car. Troopers attempted to use the taser again.

Dash-cam video shows Griffin firing a gun. The gunfire struck and wounded one trooper. The injured trooper hit the ground. The second trooper returned fire. Griffin dove into the car near Mount Vernon and died there.

Medical staff released the injured trooper from the hospital. That officer is now recovering at home. Santos remains locked up in Illinois. She was also wanted in connection with the New Mexico case.

State police agencies typically review video footage during investigations into shootings involving officers. Troopers often conduct roadside stops to provide assistance to disabled motorists on interstate highways.

The incident remains tied to earlier legal proceedings originating in Lincoln County, New Mexico.