ABC News December 26, 2018

Manhunt underway after suspected gunman kills officer during traffic stop in Northern California: Police

WATCH: Manhunt underway after suspected gunman kills officer during traffic stop: Police

A manhunt is underway to find a gunman suspected of killing a Northern California police officer during a traffic stop shortly after Christmas, authorities said.

The suspect fled in his car after shooting Newman police Corporal Ronil Singh, 33, just before 1 a.m. Wednesday, said the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department.

(MORE: Why 2018 could be an especially deadly year for cops)

Singh, a native of Fiji, had been with the Newman Police Department since July 2011, the sheriff's office said.

He previously served with the Merced County Sheriff’s Department, according to a statement from California Gov. Jerry Brown.

“Our Newman Police family is devastated by the loss of Ronil,” Newman Police Chief Randy Richardson said in a statement released by the sheriff's office, which is leading the investigation.

(MORE: 24-year-old officer killed, K9 injured in shooting after traffic stop turns into chase: Police)

Singh is survived by his wife and 5-month-old son, according to officials.

"Our hearts are with the entire community of Newman and law enforcement officers across the state who risk their lives every day to protect and serve the people of California," Brown said in the statement.

Images of the suspect were captured on surveillance video, according to the sheriff's office.

Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department
Authorities are looking for the suspect in the killing of Newman police officer Ronil Singh, 33, Dec. 26, 2018.
Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department
Authorities are looking for the suspect in the killing of Newman police officer Ronil Singh, 33, Dec. 26, 2018.

“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," Richardson said.

(MORE: 'A life distinguished by service and sacrifice': Chicago police gather to mourn young officer struck, killed by train)

The suspect's car, a gray Dodge Ram pickup truck, was located and seized by police Wednesday night, police told ABC Owned Station KFSN.

Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department
Authorities are looking for the suspect in the killing of Newman police officer Ronil Singh, 33, Dec. 26, 2018.

Anyone with information is asked to call authorities at 209-525-7083 or Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636.

Police departments across California have offered their condolences and shared photos of the wanted suspect.

ABC News' Jenna Harrison contributed to this report.