Stanislaus Sheriff Says Cop-Killer was in the Country Illegally

On Thursday, Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson stated during a press conference that the suspect who shot and killed Officer Ronil Singh was not in the country legally.

Christianson stated the suspect was not a resident of Newman and had immigrated into the United States illegally. He added Suspect was originally pulled over on suspicion of a DUI when a gunfight broke out.

“We are actively investigating every lead, we have spared no expense, we have multiple teams following up every lead, and we will relentlessly continue to hunt our suspect down and bring him to justice so we can bring closure to this community and this police department,” stated Christianson.

Christianson offered his deepest condolences to Chief Richardson, the family, the law enforcement family and the community of Newman who had never suffered a line-of-duty death.

“This suspect, unlike Ron who immigrated into this country lawfully and legally to pursue his life-long career of public safety and public service and being a police officer, this suspect is in our country illegally and he doesn’t belong here, he is a criminal,” said Christianson. “We will find him, we will arrest him and we will bring him to justice.”

According to the Christianson, they were not releasing the suspects name because it would be irresponsible of them without absolutely knowing without any doubt that they have identified the right suspect.

“It is purely and internal protocol in identifying people and releasing names understanding that social media always gets a head of us and am pretty sure some of you have already figured out who it is but it is not appropriate for me to identify until we are absolutely 100% certain we have the right name,” said Christianson. “Many people share the same name, so we don’t want to make a mistake like that.”

Christianson believes the suspect is still located within Stanislaus County and encouraged him to surrender himself peacefully.  He is considered armed and dangerous.

With regards to the markets at the scene of the shooting, Christianson stated there was a gun fight between Singh and the suspect and that he tried to defend himself and stop this credible threat.

Singh, 33, was a Fiji native who entered the country legally, was a member of the Newman Police Department since July 2011.

Newman Police Chief Randy Richardson highlighted the department was just 12-members and that he relieved Singh on Christmas Day so he could spend some time with his family.

“What needs to be known is that he was truly just a human being, an American patriot. Ron was not born in America, he was born in Fiji. He came to this country with one purpose and that was to serve this country,” said Richardson who added when he came to this country, all he wanted to do was become a police officer.

Richardson said that Sam, Singh’s K9 who was with, was uninjured in the incident.  will be retied and remain with the family saying he would not take another family member from them.

“Please remember the man, please remember the husband, please remember what he was, what he came to this country to do. Yes he was a police officer, but more importantly he was a human being,” said Richardson. “That is how he would want to be remembered, he was proud to wear the uniform and he does want to be remembered as a police officer, but don’t forget the other things. The little things that are often forgotten in these stories.”

Richardson called the suspect a “coward” and hopes he does the right thing and turns himself in.

CORPORAL RONIL SINGH MEMORIAL FUND (Newman Police Department)

The Stanislaus Sworn Deputies Association (SSDA) has established a Corporal Ronil Singh, Newman PD Memorial Fund. Donations can be made several ways:

In Person:
Any West America Bank Branch to the Corporal Ronil Singh Memorial Fund
(Newman Police Department)

Original Release:

Newman Police Officer Ronil Singh (33) was shot and killed during a traffic stop just before 1:00 AM on Wednesday morning 12/26/18. At 12:57 AM, Officer Singh called off on a traffic stop at Merced Street and Eucalyptus Avenue in Newman.

A few moments later he called out “shots fired” over the radio. Multiple agencies responded to assist and Singh was found at the scene with gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

The suspect had fled the scene in his vehicle prior to assisting officer’s arrival. A gray, extended cab Dodge Ram pickup was seen in the area at the time of the shooting.

The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department will be leading the investigation. Detectives have photographs of the suspect and suspect vehicle and are asking anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect to contact Detective Michael Fisher at 209-525-7083 or dispatch at 209-552-2468.

Officer Singh was a native of Fiji and has been employed by 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.”

This investigation is ongoing and more information will be released as it becomes available.

If you have any tips, you can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636. Tipsters can also e-mail tips at http://www.modestopolice.com/CrimeStoppers, or text them to CRIMES (274637) by typing “Tip704” plus the message and be eligible for a cash reward