Illinois State Trooper Seriously Wounded, Suspect Killed in Overnight Interstate 64 Gunfight in Jefferson County
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ill. — What began as a routine roadside assistance stop along Interstate 64 in southern Illinois escalated into a deadly gun battle early Tuesday morning, leaving a veteran Illinois State Police trooper seriously wounded and a motorist dead, authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m. on May 9, 2023, on Interstate 64 eastbound near mile marker 72, when an Illinois State Police (ISP) trooper stopped to assist a stranded vehicleparked on the right shoulder of the highway.
According to ISP officials, the trooper encountered 23-year-old Brandon Griffin of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and 31-year-old Christine Santos, who were inside the disabled vehicle.
Routine Assistance Turns Violent
A short time after the initial trooper arrived, a second Illinois State Police officer stopped on scene to provide routine backup assistance — a standard safety practice during overnight roadside contacts.
While officers were interacting with the occupants, an altercation suddenly erupted, though police have not released detailed information about what specifically triggered the confrontation.
During the encounter, authorities saidgunfire was exchanged between Griffin and one of the responding troopers.
In the chaotic moments that followed, a 16-year veteran Illinois State Police trooper was shot, sustaining serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Trooper Rushed to Hospital
Emergency medical services were immediately requested to the scene. The wounded trooper was transported to a regional hospital, where officials said he remains under medical care.
Illinois State Police confirmed that while the injuries were serious, the trooper is expected to survive, a development that brought relief across the law enforcement community.
The trooper’s name has not been released, in accordance with department policy and out of respect for the officer and family.
Suspect Pronounced Dead at Scene
Brandon Griffin was fatally wounded during the exchange of gunfire. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by personnel from the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office.
Authorities did not disclose how many rounds were fired or which firearm caused Griffin’s fatal injuries, stating that those details will be addressed during the investigative process.
The female passenger, Christine Santos, was not injured during the incident, police confirmed.
The second responding trooper also escaped the encounter without physical injuries.
Interstate Closures Disrupt Morning Commute
The shooting prompted significant traffic disruptions along Interstate 64 as investigators secured the scene and began evidence collection.
According to ISP:
- All eastbound lanes of I-64 were initially closed following the shooting
- Lanes reopened at approximately 6:25 a.m.
- Eastbound lanes were temporarily closed again at 7:48 a.m. to allow for additional investigative work
- The interstate fully reopened by 8:53 a.m.
Traffic was diverted for several hours while forensic teams documented the scene, examined vehicles, and recovered evidence.
Investigation Underway
As is standard in officer-involved shootings, the incident is now underindependent investigation. Illinois State Police officials said a thorough review will include:
- Officer body-worn camera footage
- Dash camera video
- Ballistic and forensic analysis
- Witness interviews
- A full reconstruction of the encounter
Authorities emphasized that the investigation will be conducted with transparency and in accordance with state protocols.
No information has been released regarding Griffin’s criminal history or whether he was wanted in connection with any other incidents.
Law Enforcement Community Responds
The shooting sent shockwaves through the Illinois law enforcement community, particularly given that the injured trooper is a 16-year veteran, highlighting the dangers officers face even during seemingly routine calls for service.
Roadside assistance stops are considered among the most unpredictable and dangerous encounters for officers, especially during overnight hours on busy interstates.
“This was a situation that officers face every day — helping a stranded motorist,” a law enforcement source said. “Unfortunately, it turned into a life-threatening encounter in seconds.”
No Threat to Public
Authorities confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public related to the incident. ISP officials thanked motorists for their patience during the prolonged closures and urged drivers to remain vigilant when passing emergency scenes.
Police also reminded motorists of Illinois’ Scott’s Law, which requires drivers to slow down and move over when approaching stopped emergency vehicles.
What Comes Next
The results of the investigation will be forwarded to prosecutors for review once complete. Officials did not provide a timeline for when additional details — including body camera footage — may be released.
In the meantime, the injured trooper remains hospitalized and supported by fellow officers, family members, and the broader law enforcement community.
What began as a routine act of public service ended in tragedy, serving as another stark reminder of how quickly roadside encounters can turn deadly — and the risks officers face while simply trying to help stranded motorists in the early hours of the morning.
