Advertisement Suspect in Newman officer's slaying was in U.S. illegally, sheriff says Share Shares Copy Link Copy

A Newman police officer was shot and killed during a traffic stop Wednesday morning and the suspect is on the run, the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department said. The officer was identified as 33-year-old Ronil Singh. Officials said the suspect has been identified, but the Sheriff's Department is not releasing his name at this time. He is currently at large.While they haven't released his name, Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson said the suspect was in the U.S. illegally."This suspect, unlike Ron -- who immigrated to this country lawfully and legally to pursue his lifelong career of public safety, public service and being a police officer -- this suspect is in our country illegally," Christianson said. "He doesn't belong here. He's a criminal."The Sheriff's Department believes that the suspect is somewhere in Stanislaus County."We have evidence that leads us to believe that he is still in the area," Christianson said. "He is considered armed and dangerous, and certainly if somebody sees our suspect, they do not need to engage him. They do not need to stop him. Call 911."'It Was A Gunfight' Officials said Singh called in a traffic stop Wednesday morning at Merced Street and Eucalyptus Avenue in Newman. Christianson said it was a DUI investigation.Moments later, Singh called out “shots fired” over the radio. Multiple officers responded and found that Singh had been shot."There was (an exchange of gunfire.) It was a gunfight. Corporal Singh absolutely tried to defend himself and stop this credible threat," Christianson said.Singh was taken to the hospital, where he later died.Search For The SuspectThe suspect drove away from the scene in a gray, extended cab Dodge Ram pickup before responding officers arrived. The truck was found around 3:15 p.m. Wednesday in the 26000 block of River Road, just outside of Newman, the Sheriff's Department said. The suspect was not in the area and remains at large.Detectives were serving a search warrant at a mobile home park, which is about 4.5 miles from the scene of the traffic stop, when they found the truck in a garage. Officials were led to the scene thanks to a tip. The truck was towed and will continue to be processed for evidence.On Thursday evening, detectives searched a property in El Nido in Merced County. Investigators were following up on leads when they served a search a warrant at the property. The suspect was not found. Officials did not release details about the search.The Sheriff’s Department has released photos of the suspect. They are asking the public to come forward with any information.The suspect purchased two 12 packs of beer along with a pack of cigarettes, according to the convenience store where his picture was captured on surveillance tape.The Sheriff's Department is leading the investigation. A Blue Alert has been issued in Stanislaus, Merced, San Joaquin, Tuolumne and Santa Clara counties.Anyone with information about the suspect or his whereabouts is urged to call the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department at 209-525-7202.Remembering Cpl. SinghSingh was a native of Fiji and has been employed by the Newman Police Department since July 2011.“Our Newman Police family is devastated by the loss of Ronil,” said Newman Police Chief Randy Richardson. “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 spoke at length Thursday about what Singh meant to the 12-person department, which he called a family."This is a man that I saw every day he worked. This is a man that I relieved on Christmas Day so he could go home and spend time with his family and his newborn child," he said. "I think that what’s being lost here is yes, he was a police officer and that’s why all of you are packed in this room – because he was tragically taken from us. But what needs to be known is he was truly just a human being and an American patriot."Stay with KCRA 3 for the latest.