California Manhunt Underway After Armed Suspect Allegedly Shoots at Officers

Authorities in California are conducting a large-scale manhunt for a man they say is armed and dangerous after a woman was allegedly killed and gunfire was directed at other people.

The Placer County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as 44-year-old Derek Spencer, who is wanted on multiple felony allegations. Deputies said the investigation began Sunday after Spencer reportedly pointed a firearm at people in Placer County.

Deputies later located Spencer in the Iowa Hill area while searching for him. Authorities said he rammed a patrol vehicle and then escaped, prompting an expanded search across the remote region.

During the pursuit, Spencer allegedly opened fire on law enforcement officers and helicopters involved in the operation. No officers were hurt, according to the sheriff’s office.

Residents in Iowa Hill have been told to stay indoors, lock their doors and avoid going outside while the search continues.

In a Sunday night update, officials said the operation remained particularly difficult because the search area includes vast stretches of dense woodland, steep slopes and rugged terrain.

As deputies searched the area, they discovered a woman authorities believe was killed by Spencer.

“Tactical teams were clearing a home where Spencer had been earlier when they found an adult woman who had been shot and killed inside,” deputies said. “Based on the investigation so far, Spencer is believed to have murdered her before escaping into the surrounding forest.”

Several outside law enforcement agencies are assisting the Placer County Sheriff’s Office with the ongoing search.

“Teams will continue searching through the night and will not ease their efforts until we locate this armed and extremely dangerous individual,” the sheriff’s office said.

Officials described Spencer as bald and said he has a goatee.