“AN AMERICAN PATRIOT”
by Sharon Rondeau
(Dec. 27, 2018) — On Thursday multiple sources, followed by President Donald Trump, reported that the alleged murderer of a 33-year-old police corporal and new father in Newman, CA early Wednesday morning was in the United States illegally.
Newman, whose population was slightly over 10,000 at the 2010 census, is located in west-central California in Stanislaus County and considers itself a city.
An emotional press conference held Thursday by Newman Police Chief Randy Richardson and Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson revealed that Ronil “Ron” Singh, a legal immigrant from Fiji, came to the United States for the express purpose of serving as a police officer and was one of 12 on the police force.
Richardson praised Singh’s work ethic, character and determination to serve his community and was obviously distraught at his loss, calling him “an American patriot.”
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Wednesday, Singh stopped the driver of a “silver or gray extended-cab Dodge Ram 1500 pickup,” CNN reported, quoting police sources, on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. After shooting Singh, the driver fled the scene and later abandoned the vehicle, which was later found in a trailer park outside of the city limits.
Singh was able to call 911 for help after being shot but passed away at the hospital.
The perpetrator is believed to be in Stanislaus County, according to a statement from Christianson, and his identity known though not revealed.
The Stanislaus Sworn Deputies Association has established a memorial fund in Singh’s name. He leaves a wife and five-month-old son.