Murder suspect nabbed in upstate New York during speeding stop; Vermont case to proceed
Terrene Biggs, 25, was stopped for speeding on Interstate 90 in Portland, N.Y., while wanted in a Rutland homicide and faces additional charges; extradition to Vermont is pending.
A Vermont murder suspect was arrested in upstate New York after a routine traffic stop early Wednesday on Interstate 90 in the town of Portland. Terrene Biggs, 25, was sought in the April 22 shooting death of 26-year-old Austin Rodrigues in Rutland, Vermont, when state troopers pulled him over for speeding shortly after 2:30 a.m.
Troopers determined Biggs was the subject of an active warrant and found he was in possession of Suboxone. He was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and is being held at the Chautauqua County Jail pending extradition to Vermont. He also is wanted on an assault charge in Florida.
Authorities say the Rutland shooting occurred around 3 a.m. on April 22 after an argument between Biggs and Rodrigues. Rodrigues, a 26-year-old Rutland resident, was pronounced dead at the scene. Biggs had been on the run for months before the traffic stop.
The arrest underscores cross-border fugitive-tracking efforts by state police and Vermont officials, who will pursue extradition to complete the homicide case. The case has drawn attention to how criminals may evade capture across state lines until a traffic stop exposes the warrant.
Biggs remains in custody at the Chautauqua County Jail while authorities arrange for extradition to Vermont.