Roll of Honor
Incident
Trooper James Biggs was shot and killed during a traffic stop at the I-64 rest stop in Alleghany County, two miles from the West Virginia line, around 2:30 p.m. When Trooper Biggs approached the driver's side of the car, the driver fired two shots. After striking Trooper Biggs twice, the driver sped away into West Virginia. When a West Virginia Trooper attempted to stop the stolen vehicle, a shootout ensued, wounding the passenger. The driver fled into the woods when he crashed into another car, leaving his passenger to be transported to the hospital. The suspect was apprehended the next morning. He was a prison escapee and was convicted of capital murder. His death sentence was vacated, and he was sentenced to life in prison. The passenger, paralyzed from the chest down, was acquitted of first-degree murder. Trooper Biggs was a United States Navy and National Guard veteran and had served with the Virginia State Police for 18 years. He was survived by his wife. In May 2004, the Virginia legislature voted to have two bridges on I-64 named in memory of Trooper Biggs.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-A9B0672B- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Sergeant Biggs gave the Virginia State Police 19 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of Virginia, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
James Leroy Biggs served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Sergeant James Leroy Biggs is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In VA, 395 of 654 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Virginia State Police, 19 of 52 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 36.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Leroy Biggs's cause is highlighted.
How James Leroy Biggs Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Leroy Biggs is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Leroy Biggs was killed by handgun; .44 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
51 officers from Virginia State Police are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
