California Gang Member Arrested for Allegedly Shooting a Police Officer

Gustavo Perez Arriaga, a Sureño gang member, was arrested early Friday at his home in Bakersfield, California for the murder of police officer Ronil Singh.

The killing allegedly took place on Wednesday morning after Singh, a corporal with the Newman Police Department, pulled Arriaga over for a DUI. Singh was then reportedly shot and killed by Arriaga, who then hid from police for two days prior to his arrest. Authorities reported that Arriaga intended on escaping to Mexico following the shooting. 

Arriaga, a 32-year-old undocumented immigrant from Mexico, was allegedly assisted by Adrian Virgen, the suspect’s brother and Erik Razo Quiroz, a coworker, in his attempt to flee the scene. The two men were also arrested Friday, in addition to three others who aided in the escape or purposefully misled authorities. 

Singh was an officer with the Newman Police Department since 2011. Originally from Fiji, he was living in Modesto California with his wife and son at the time of his death. During a press conference held by those leading the investigation, Signh’s brother thanked everyone who was responsible for Arriaga’s capture. “I was waiting for this to happen. I’d like to thank you working day and night to make this happen,” he said. 

In a statement released by Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, the news of Arriaga’s capture was announced. “We are grateful to our community for their support and to our law enforcement partners for helping us bring justice and closure to the Newman Police Department, Corporal Singh, and his family.” Arriaga’s arrest ended a two-day manhunt which led authorities to Bakersfield, 200 miles south of where the alleged incident took place.

Arriaga entered the U.S. six years ago and since joined the Sureños, a Mexican-American street gang. Prior to Singh’s shooting, the accused had been charged with two previous DUIs.