MODESTO (KMJ) — A 32 year old man from Mexico has been arrested for the death of Newman Police Corporal Ronil Singh. Gustavo Perez Arriaga was taken into custody south of Bakersfield following an intense two-day manhunt.
The shooting death took place Wednesday as Officer Singh attempted a traffic stop in the City of Newman. He was seriously injured and died later that morning in the hospital (click here to read more).
The search for the suspect began in Stanislaus County and ended in the Kern County community of Lamont, with an arrest early Friday morning. The suspect gave himself up to the officers on scene.
Kern County Sheriff’s Office took him into custody and arrested three more people in the house for aiding and abetting the suspect.
Update: Suspect Gustavo Perez Arriaga has arrived at the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department to be interviewed by Detectives. pic.twitter.com/38yvR43XmV
— Stanislaus Sheriff (@StanSheriff) December 28, 2018
The Sheriff of Stanislaus County revealed that Arriaga was present in the United States illegally, had known gang affiliations, and had two prior DUI offenses.
“The last thing I want to do is politicize the death of Officer Singh,” said Sheriff Adam Christianson. “But let’s go back to Ron.”
“An immigrant. Immigrated here lawfully and legally to pursue his American dream. He achieved that goal and his dream was taken from him.
“No, we shouldn’t politicize it, but we have to have a conversation about restrictive legislation that puts our communities at risk.”
Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that Arriaga has arrived at their office and has begun interviewing with detectives.
A total of six arrests were made:
- 32 year old Gustavo Perez Arriaga
- 25 year old Adrian Virgen (aiding the suspect in Stanislaus County)
- 32 year old Erik Razo Quiroz (aiding the suspect in Stanislaus County)
- 59 year old Bernabe Madrigal Castaneda (aiding the suspect in Kern County)
- 36 year old Erasmo Villegas (aiding the suspect in Kern County)
- 57 year old Maria Luisa Moreno (aiding the suspect in Kern County)
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
