Law enforcement agencies in California's Placer County are conducting an intensive search for a man believed to be armed and dangerous, who is now suspected of murder and shooting at officers. Derek Spencer, 44, is the subject of a widespread manhunt initiated on Sunday following a series of alleged criminal acts.
Incident Details and Pursuit
Spencer was initially sought for allegedly brandishing a firearm at individuals in Placer County earlier on Sunday, according to the Placer County Sheriff's Office. Deputies located Spencer in the Iowa Hill area during their initial search. During this encounter, Spencer reportedly rammed a patrol vehicle before fleeing the scene, which triggered a full-scale manhunt.
Authorities indicated that Spencer also discharged a firearm at law enforcement personnel and helicopters providing aerial support during the pursuit. Fortunately, no officers or other law enforcement personnel sustained injuries in the shooting incident.
Murder Victim Discovered
As the search for Spencer continued into Sunday night, a tragic discovery was made. Deputies located the body of an adult female inside a residence where Spencer had been earlier in the day. Investigators currently believe Spencer murdered the woman before he fled into the dense surrounding forest.
As tactical teams worked to clear a home where Spencer had been earlier in the search, they located an adult female who had been shot and killed inside the home. At this point in the investigation, it’s believed Spencer murdered the woman before fleeing into the surrounding forest.
Ongoing Search in Rugged Terrain
The search operation remains active and is described by the sheriff's office as “very challenging” due to the vast, densely forested area and the steep, rugged terrain of Iowa Hill. Residents in the Iowa Hill community have been strongly advised to secure their homes and remain indoors as a precautionary measure.
Multiple law enforcement agencies are collaborating with the Placer County Sheriff's Office in the extensive effort to locate Spencer. Officials have stated their commitment to the search, with teams continuing to operate throughout the night.
Teams will continue searching throughout the night and will not slow down as we work to locate this armed and very dangerous individual.
Spencer is described as a bald man with a goatee.