Manhunt underway in California after armed suspect allegedly points gun at people, shoots at officers

Armed Suspect on the Run in Placer County After Alleged Shooting and Murder

A 44‑year‑old man named Derek Spencer has been declared an armed and dangerous suspect after police allege he fired at law enforcement, rammed a patrol vehicle, and murdered a woman in the Iowa Hill area of Placer County, California. The sheriff’s office has launched a statewide search that is continuing through the night.

Spencer is accused of pointing a firearm at people on Sunday and then shooting at officers and helicopters that were responding to the scene. Deputies said the suspect was first identified when he pointed a gun at bystanders earlier that day, prompting the initial chase. During the pursuit, Spencer struck a patrol vehicle before fleeing into the forested hills.

According to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, a tactical team later cleared a home that Spencer had occupied. Inside, officers discovered a 44‑year‑old woman who had been shot and killed. “At this point in the investigation, it’s believed Spencer murdered the woman before fleeing into the surrounding forest,” deputies said.

Spencer is described as a bald man with a goatee. No law‑enforcement officers were injured, though the sheriff’s office stresses the danger posed by the suspect. “Teams will continue searching throughout the night and will not slow down as we work to locate this armed and very dangerous individual,” the office said.

The search covers a large area of dense forest, steep and rugged terrain that makes tracking difficult. Deputies are working with several other agencies to cover the region. Residents of Iowa Hill and surrounding communities have been advised to lock their doors and remain inside until the suspect is located.

Spencer faces multiple felonies, including the alleged murder, weapons offenses, and assault. Law enforcement officials remain on high alert as the hunt continues into the evening.