A two-day manhunt for 31-year-old Steven Wiggins, who is suspected of killing a Tennessee sheriff’s deputy during a traffic stop, has ended with the suspect’s arrest, according to authorities.
In a tweet by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Wiggins is seen dirty and grimacing as police put him into the back of a squad car in handcuffs.
“CAPTURED: Steven Wiggins is in custody! More details soon!,” TBI tweeted early Friday morning:
Tennessee Highway Patrol Col. Dereck Stewart said at a press conference Friday that Trooper Kevin Burch was driving down a road when he came upon a man near a wood line that matched the description of Steven Joshua Wiggins.
The trooper then approached the man, who was not far from the scene of the crime, and noticed he had tattoos resembling those that Wiggins had on his body, Stewart said, adding that the trooper then drew his weapon, and Wiggins “willfully obeyed the trooper.”
TBI spokeswoman Susan Niland said Wiggins was being treated for injuries that are not thought to be serious. After being treated for the injuries, which were not elaborated on, he will be booked on murder charges, she said.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, a manhunt began Wednesday after Wiggins was identified as a suspect in the death of 32-year-old Sgt. Daniel Baker.
Baker was reportedly shot to death during a traffic stop in Dickson County early Wednesday that led to an altercation with Wiggins, who is the prime suspect in the deputy’s death. Baker was a former Marine and served as a Dickson County Sheriff’s deputy since 2008.
Authorities also previously arrested Erica Castro-Miles, 38, who is accused of being an occupant in Wiggins’ vehicle when he allegedly pulled the trigger, killing Baker. Police say she subsequently fled the scene and hid at a nearby residence.
“Crissy and I are praying for the family of Sgt. Baker who died in the line of duty while bravely serving the Dickson County Sheriff’s Office. I commend the joint effort of state and local law enforcement as they tirelessly search for the suspect, even as they mourn the loss of one of their own,” Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam stated before Wiggins was arrested.
