The 33-year-old officer, who came to the U.S. from his native Fiji, was shot early Wednesday after stopping the man he suspected of driving drunk in Newman.
The gunman got away, leading authorities on a statewide manhunt. The suspected shooter's arrest was announced early Friday.
Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood told reporters that Gustavo Perez Arriaga surrendered without incident. Youngblood says the 33-year-old Mexico native came out of a home in Bakersfield with his hands up after SWAT officers came to arrest him Friday.
Youngblood said that besides Perez Arriaga's brother and co-worker, three others were arrested on suspicion of helping the suspect elude authorities.
RELATED: How to donate to family of slain Newman Police Corporal Ronil 'Ron' Singh
There was a gunfight as the K-9 officer "absolutely tried to defend himself" but he apparently didn't hit the suspect, said Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson, whose agency is leading the investigation.
Singh is being remembered by the chief as an "American patriot."
In front of Friday night's crowd of thousands stood Coporal Singh's family. His wife, five-month-old son, his K9 Sam and others were surrounded by the large crowd.
Turnout at the vigil did not surprise the Singh family.
"I wasn't, I know Ron," the Corporal's uncle, Aklesh Singh said. "Ron was just that kind of person."
Coordinators opened the floor to those wanting to share memories of the fallen officer. For much of the vigil, it was testimony through tears.
A thin blue line wrapped around each pole, tree and the Christmas tree at the downtown plaza.
VIDEO: Brother of Newman Corporal Ronil Singh thanks officers for capturing suspect
Many who attended told ABC7 News the vigil is proof that small town spirit is stronger than what some might assume.
Patrick Nagy, the Mayor of the neighboring town of Gustine said this about small towns, "We come out when someone is hurt. When someone is in need of a show of faith."
For those in Newman, their faith was tested in Wednesday's tragic shooting death. However, a portion of that faith was restored with Friday's arrest announcement.
"I texted everyone I knew," Newman resident, Ester Aguilar said. "I was like, 'They got him! They got him!'"
Newman resident, Teresa Smith told ABC7 News, "I'm glad that he had his handcuffs- that jewelry on his wrist on his way up here."
However, for Singh's family, what the community is calling a victory is doing little to ease the pain of the senseless loss.
"It's just unfortunate. We lost a role model, our kids and grand-kids lost a role model," Aklesh Singh said.
But memories of Corporal Singh will last. The community who came together on a cold December night say they'll make sure of it.
"It shows the type of person he was, the type of officer he was," Teresa Smith said. "Because if he wasn't good, there might have been a showing, but not like this."
Take a look at the latest stories, videos and updates on the shooting death of Corporal Ronil Singh.
Cpl. Singh’s brother bringing a little light and laughter into testimonies many are sharing. Tough to talk through tears, but the crowd of thousands is all ears. #abc7now #Newman pic.twitter.com/ccmCQdh9mr
— Amanda del Castillo (@AmandaABC7) December 29, 2018
#RIGHTNOW Hundreds have gathered in Newman’s Downtown Plaza for tonight’s vigil. His entire family, including his wife and 5-month-old son, are here. Watch: https://t.co/O5nInYZcCL #abc7now pic.twitter.com/QwMmYbXmBx
— Amanda del Castillo (@AmandaABC7) December 29, 2018
#RIGHTNOW American flag and flag with thin blue line will go up momentarily. Fire Dept. working to get everything in place, ahead of community vigil for fallen Newman Police Corporal Ronil 'Ron' Singh. Vigil begins at 6 p.m. #abc7now #Newman pic.twitter.com/vV5HMBpufx
— Amanda del Castillo (@AmandaABC7) December 29, 2018
#RIGHTNOW If you look closely, you can see a thin blue line wrapped around the Newman Christmas tree. Thin blue line, of course, honoring Newman Police Corporal Ronil 'Ron' Singh. #abc7now #Newman pic.twitter.com/NtmePQ0frY
— Amanda del Castillo (@AmandaABC7) December 29, 2018
#RIGHTNOW Town of Newman is preparing for a 6 p.m. vigil, honoring Newman Police Corporal Ronil 'Ron' Singh. He was killed early Wednesday morning during a traffic stop. His suspected killer has been arrested. I’ll have your live look in about 45-minutes. #abc7now #Newman pic.twitter.com/JnJJeWoGXy
— Amanda del Castillo (@AmandaABC7) December 29, 2018