Bio & Incident Details
Age: 40
Tour: Not available
Badge # Not available
Military veteran
Cause: Gunfire
Incident Date: 6/24/1987
Weapon: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect: Died in prison
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Correctional Officer Fred Griffis was shot and killed during an escape attempt during a prisoner transport in West Palm Beach. He and an armed escort officer were jumped by two armed suspects. The men disarmed the armed officer and demanded that Officer Griffis hand over the keys to unlock the van and free the prisoner. Officer Griffis did not comply and instead tossed the keys away. When he tossed the keys the suspect shot and killed him. Both suspects were apprehended after a bullet-sprayed chase which ended at the Palm Beach International Airport.
The man who shot Officer Griffis was apprehended and sentenced to death. He died in prison July 17, 1999, from injuries he suffered while fighting guards who were attempting to search his cell.
Officer Griffis was was a Vietnam War veteran of the U.S. Army and was assigned to the Glades Correctional Institution. He was survived by his mother and sister.
