California Gunman Arrested 3 Times in a Month Before Killing Elderly Homeowner

A gunman who killed a former Placer County District Attorney’s Office employee in Northern California had been arrested three times in the month leading up to the fatal shooting, authorities said.

Derek Spencer, 44, was arrested on Sept. 3 for felony vandalism, assault with a deadly weapon on a sheriff’s deputy, and resisting arrest, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. He was released on bond on Sept. 11.

Eleven days later, Spencer was arrested in Folsom County on a burglary charge. Less than a week after that, on Sept. 16, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office arrested him again for stealing a vehicle. He was granted pre-arraignment release for this third arrest.

Law enforcement officials believe Spencer killed Cheryl Macy, a longtime former Placer County DA’s Office employee, as he was evading authorities following further crimes. These incidents included pointing a firearm at people in Placer County.

Spencer encountered law enforcement again on Sunday morning but managed to ram a police vehicle and escape. He was later found by authorities that same day, reportedly firing at a police helicopter and deputies.

Authorities eventually located Spencer early Monday morning using infrared technology from a helicopter. A shootout ensued as law enforcement closed in. After more than two hours, Spencer was killed by police around 4:30 a.m. Monday.

His body required transport by helicopter due to fires he allegedly started in the area. Officials suspect Spencer ignited the Mineral Fire, which had spread 18 acres with 20% containment as of Tuesday morning.

Macy, who worked for Placer County from 2006 to 2020, was believed to be unknown to Spencer. The DA’s office described her as "a valued colleague, a friend, and a cherished member of our DA family."

Neighbors expressed frustration that Spencer had not remained in custody prior to the incident that led to Macy's death.