Car of man sought in police officer’s killing found

Stanislaus County sheriff’s deputies said they located the vehicle of a man who allegedly shot and killed a police officer early Wednesday morning, prompting a search in Santa Clara County and four other counties in California.

Cpl. Ronil Singh was shot and killed shortly before 1 a.m. during a traffic stop at Merced Street and Eucalyptus Avenue in the city of Newman, according to Stanislaus County sheriff’s officials.

Singh was a Fiji native and had been with the Newman Police Department since 2011. Deputies said he initiated the traffic stop at 12:57 a.m. and reported “shots fired” over the radio moments later. He was found at the scene with gunshot wounds and died at the hospital.

Facebook user Shivy Singh wrote on the sheriff’s office page:

“He was a wonderful brother who we looked up to and a hero to us all. … I still cannot believe that he is gone.”

Sheriff’s officials said they served a search warrant in the 26000 block of River Road just outside of Newman and recovered the truck. It is currently being processed for evidence.

The suspect is described as a heavy-set Hispanic man wearing a black jacket with white Ecko Unlimited brand patches on the sleeves, a black shirt, silver chain and black shoes.

He is believed to have left the area in a gray, Dodge Ram pickup with an extended cab and paper license plates, according to the CHP, who issued an alert in five counties because they don’t know which way he was driving.

Anyone who sees the suspect or knows his identity is asked to call 911. He is considered armed and dangerous and may be carrying a gun.

Newman Police Chief Randy Richardson said in a statement:

“Our Newman Police family is devastated by the loss of Ronil. … 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.”