DICKSON COUNTY, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – A Dickson County Sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed early Wednesday morning, a high-ranking official with the Tennessee Highway Patrol told WKRN News 2.

TBI spokeswoman Susan Niland said a call came in around 7 a.m. about a “suspicious vehicle” on Sam Vineyard Road. Sgt. Daniel Baker responded to the scene.

Baker was later found dead inside his patrol car about two or three miles away from the initial scene. The deputy’s GPS system was used to locate his patrol car after there had not been any contact with him.

Sgt. Daniel Baker (Photo: Dickson County Sheriff’s Office)

Authorities are now searching for Steven Wiggins, who they said is a person of interest. Video evidence and other elements from the scene helped the TBI identify Wiggins as a suspect. The TBI said he should be considered armed and dangerous.

It is unknown if Wiggins is still on foot or if he has gained access to a vehicle.

It’s unknown if there have been any confirmed sightings of Wiggins since Wednesday morning. Niland said a lot of tips have been called in throughout the day.

“We’ve gone door-to-door with teams looking for any signs of break-ins. At this time, we will continue the search. There’s people out there with information,” she said.

Sustpect Steven Wiggins (Photo: TBI)

Wiggins was initially wanted for aggravated assault and theft.

A Blue Alert was issued for Wiggins around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.

According to the TBI, the alert is similar to an AMBER Alert, but is used in cases in which a law enforcement officer has been killed or seriously injured in the line-of-duty. A $7,500 reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest.

Wiggins is six feet one inch tall and weighs around 220 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes.

Wiggins has a lengthy arrest history that dates back to 2006. Over the past 12 years, he has been arrested for domestic violence or assault at least eight times, among other charges.

A woman somehow related to Wiggins and the case has been taken into custody. Her identity has not been released and it’s unknown why she is in custody.

Multiple agencies are assisting in the search.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts or sees anything suspicious should call 1-800-TBI-FIND or 911.