Stanislaus County law enforcement is on a widespread manhunt for the man who shot and killed a Newman Police officer in a traffic stop made early Wednesday.

Officer Ronil Singh, 33, was shot and killed during a traffic stop he made at 12:57 a.m. at Merced Street and Eucalyptus Avenue in Newman. Moments later he called out “shots fired” over the radio which sent multiple police scurrying to the scene. However, Singh was found at the scene mortally wounded with gunshot wounds and the suspect was gone. Officer Singh was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police are looking for a heavyset Hispanic male who was last seen in a gray, extended cab Dodge Ram pickup which was seen in the area at the time of the shooting. The Sheriff’s Department will be leading the investigation. Detectives have issued photographs of the suspect and his vehicle and are asking anyone with information regarding his identity or whereabouts to contact Detective Michael Fisher at 525-7083 or dispatch at 552-2468.

Officer Singh was a native of Fiji and has been employed by Newman Police Department since July 2011. He had been a canine officer specializing in narcotics enforcement.

“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.”

Those with tips may leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 521-4636. Tipsters can also e-mail tips at http://www.modestopolice.com/CrimeStoppers.