Placer County deputies search for murder suspect, Iowa Hill residents asked to stay inside
Deputies are searching for an armed and dangerous man who is now suspected of killing a woman, according to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office. Derek Spencer, 44, was last seen in the Iowa Hill area of Placer County.
Spencer was wanted on Sunday after pointing a firearm at people in Placer County, in addition to other felonies. The sheriff’s office said that when Spencer was found by deputies, around 10:30 a.m., he rammed a vehicle stolen in El Dorado County into one of their patrol vehicles and fled the area.
The body of a woman who had been shot and killed was found inside a home where Spencer had been earlier in the search. Deputies believe he shot the woman before running into the forest.
Spencer later fired shots at law enforcement and a sheriff’s office helicopter, officials said. Iowa Hill residents are being asked to lock their doors and remain inside.
The sheriff’s office described Spencer as a bald man with a goatee wearing a black T-shirt and released a photo of him.
KCRA 3 received a tip that Spencer was arrested in Sacramento County as early as last week. Court records show he was released from Sacramento County Jail on Thursday, Sept. 17.
Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Ed Igoe confirmed Spencer has been arrested three times this month:
Once by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office for felony vandalism, assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer and resisting arrest. (Sept. 3)Once by the Folsom Police Department for burglary (Sept. 14)Once by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office for stealing a vehicle (Sept. 16)
Spencer was released on bond for the sheriff’s office arrests on Sept. 3 and Sept. 16.
The Foresthill Fire Protection District said there is a fire near Iowa Hill Road that crews can not effort because it’s in close proximity to the active shooter search.
| VIDEO BELOW | LiveCopter 3 has an aerial view of the Mineral Fire
LIVE | A view over the Mineral Fire in Placer CountyWatch on
No law enforcement officers have been injured in the pursuit for Spencer, officials said. This is a developing story, stay with KCRA 3 for the latest.
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