Alto Citizens Voiced Concerns about Fatal Shooting

ALTO — The city of Alto held a town hall meeting where members of the town discussed their opinions on how the city has handled officer Brandon Smith. After being placed on administrative leave, members of the community say they saw Smith patrolling the city in a police vehicle. Members of the city council tell KETK, Smith was only working in the office, and was not performing any police duties while in the vehicle. He was only working on office duties, but once there was a public outcry, council members tell KETK he was immediately removed from any city occupations.

Members of Griffin’s family and supporters say they were offended by seeing the officer on the streets at all. Council members maintained that officer Smith has not performed any patrolling duties since the January shooting. The Texas Rangers have not released any new information concerning their investigation.

An alleged thief, identified as James Eric Griffin, 48, attempted to rob the Pick N’ Go convenience store of cigarettes. According to the convenience store worker, he called 911 because Griffin had machete. Griffin allegedly charged an the Alto officer in the 200 block of Highway 69 after leaving the store, according to the Department of Public Safety. The officer, Brandon Michael Smith, then shot Griffin, dead as he was being rushed.