NEWMAN, Calif. — A manhunt is underway to find a gunman suspected of killing a Northern California police officer during a traffic stop shortly after Christmas, authorities said.
The suspect fled in his car after shooting Newman police Corporal Ronil Singh, 33, just before 1 a.m. Wednesday, said the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department.
(MORE: Why 2018 could be an especially deadly year for cops)
Singh, a native of Fiji, had been with the Newman Police Department since July 2011, the sheriff's office said.
He previously served with the Merced County Sheriff’s Department, according to a statement from California Gov. Jerry Brown.
“Our Newman Police family is devastated by the loss of Ronil,” Newman Police Chief Randy Richardson said in a statement released by the sheriff's office, which is leading the investigation.
Singh is survived by his wife and 5-month-old son, according to officials.
"Our hearts are with the entire community of Newman and law enforcement officers across the state who risk their lives every day to protect and serve the people of California," Brown said in the statement.
Images of the suspect were captured on surveillance video, according to the sheriff's office.
“If anyone has any information regarding the identity of the suspect, please contact law enforcement immediately so we can get this cop-killer off the streets," Richardson said.
The sheriff's office described the car as a gray, extended cab Dodge Ram pickup. Sheriff's officials said detectives served a search warrant outside of Newman, where the pickup was found and being processed for evidence.
Anyone with information is asked to call authorities at 209-525-7083 or Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636.
Police departments across California have offered their condolences and shared photos of the wanted suspect.
The SFPOA offers our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Newman Police Corporal Ronil Singh who was tragically gunned down earlier this morning. Rest In Peace Corporal Singh. We shall never forget. https://t.co/wkthGwfZa0
— San Francisco POA (@SanFranciscoPOA) December 26, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Officer Ronil Singh of the Newman Police Department, who was fatally shot by an armed suspect last night. pic.twitter.com/0zfoTiWgZT
— David Nisleit (@ChiefNisleit) December 26, 2018
Heartfelt condolences to Officer Singh’s family, friends, and colleagues. We mourn his loss alongside you. pic.twitter.com/GlEk0TQSVV
— Sunnyvale DPS (@SunnyvaleDPS) December 26, 2018
We send our heartfelt condolences to Newman Police Officer Ronil Singh’s family, friends and colleagues. Our thoughts are with you. #NeverForget 🇺🇸 https://t.co/taztWsHPef
— Fremont Police Department (@FremontPD) December 26, 2018
On behalf of the men and women of the Cathedral City Police Department, I extend heartfelt condolences to Newman police officer Ronil Singh’s family, friends, and coworkers. He was tragically shot and killed this morning during a traffic stop. 🙏🏼 #LODD pic.twitter.com/lTasQX0yxt
— Chief Travis Walker (@CCPDWALKER) December 26, 2018
SSFPD mourns the loss of our law enforcement brother, Officer Ronil Singh, of the Newman Police Department. Officer Singh was shot & killed this morning during a traffic stop. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Newman Police Department and Officer Singh’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/vUcR7ezK4n
— SouthSanFranciscoPD (@SSFPolice) December 26, 2018
This story is courtesy of ABC News.
