California Manhunt Underway for Suspect Accused of Murder, Shooting at Officers
Authorities are searching for Derek Spencer, 44, who is considered armed and dangerous.
Deputies in California are conducting a manhunt for a man believed to be armed and dangerous, accused of murdering a woman and firing at law enforcement officers and helicopters in the Iowa Hill area. Derek Spencer, 44, is wanted for multiple felonies, including allegedly pointing a firearm at people on Sunday.
Authorities stated that Spencer was initially sought after he allegedly pointed a firearm at individuals earlier in the day. During the search for Spencer on Sunday, deputies located him in the Iowa Hill area. He reportedly rammed a patrol vehicle before fleeing, initiating the ongoing manhunt.
Spencer also allegedly fired shots at law enforcement officers and assisting helicopters. No injuries to law enforcement personnel have been reported. The Placer County Sheriff's Office is urging everyone in the Iowa Hill area to secure their homes and remain indoors.
In an update Sunday night, the sheriff's office noted that the search is challenging due to the expansive, densely forested, and rugged terrain. During the search operations, tactical teams clearing a home where Spencer had previously been discovered an adult female who had been fatally shot. Investigators believe Spencer murdered the woman before fleeing into the surrounding forest.
The sheriff's office is receiving assistance from multiple other law enforcement agencies. A description of Spencer provided by the sheriff's office indicates he is a bald man with a goatee.
