Suspected Cop-Killer Captured in California

Gustavo Perez Arriaga was trying to flee to Mexico, authorities say
By Luke Roney,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 28, 2018 4:41 PM CST
Suspected Cop-Killer Captured in California
Law enforcement and family members of slain Newman Police officer Ronil Singh listen to Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson, center, during a press conference.   (Joan Barnett Lee/The Modesto Bee via AP)

A man wanted in connection to the fatal shooting of a California police officer was captured Friday as he was attempting to flee home to Mexico, SFGate reports. SWAT officers arrested Gustavo Perez Arriaga without incident at a house in Bakersfield, per the AP; five others, including the suspect’s brother and coworker, were arrested on suspicion of aiding Arriaga, who police say killed 33-year-old Newman police officer Ronil Singh, a husband and father, during a DUI stop on the day after Christmas.

In a Friday afternoon press conference attended by Singh’s grieving family, Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson said that Arriaga is associated with the Sureño street gang and has two prior DUI arrests. Christianson slammed California’s sanctuary state laws and called for more border security, per SFGate, saying, “Why are we providing sanctuary for criminals, gang members? It’s a conversation we need to have.” (Trump weighs in on the suspect's legal status.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X