SEPTEMBER 21 UPDATE:
A woman allegedly killed by a man who later died in a shootout with Placer County authorities has been identified.
Cheryl (Barron) Macy was described in a post from the Placer County District Attorney's Office on Facebook as a member of the DA's Office family for more than a decade.
"Cheryl served this office from 2006 to 2020, but her connection to this office went far beyond her years of service. She was a valued colleague, a friend, and a cherished member of our DA family," said the post in part. "The loss of Cheryl is devastating to our office and to the entire community. Our hearts are with her family, her friends, and everyone who knew and loved her. We ask that their privacy be respected as they face this unimaginable loss."
SEPTEMBER 20 UPDATE:
A man that was wanted for murder in Placer County is dead after a shootout with police.
The Placer County Sheriff's Office says investigators found 44-year-old Derek Spencer in a heavily forested area where he was attempting to hide in steep and difficult terrain in the dark where he attempted to start two separate fires.
When deputies tracked him down, Spencer began firing shots at police who then returned fire and ultimately shot and killed the suspect.
As we reported, Spencer allegedly killed a woman in the Iowa Hill area.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Placer County Sheriff’s Office deputies are searching for an armed suspect in the Iowa Hill area, about 10 miles east of Colfax.
Deputies say 44-year-old Derek Spencer is wanted for several felonies.
While searching for Spencer in the Iowa Hill area, investigators say he rammed a deputy's patrol vehicle. They say he also fired shots at deputies and law enforcement helicopters.
As tactical teams worked to clear a home where Spencer had been earlier in the search, deputies found a woman who had been shot and killed inside the home. Her name has not been released.
According to the Placer County Sheriff's Office, it’s believed Spencer murdered the woman before fleeing into the surrounding forest.
A significant number of resources are assisting with the search, including tactical teams from the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, and Roseville and Rocklin Police Departments. The California Highway Patrol, California State Parks, and Grass Valley Police Department are also assisting.
Anyone in the Iowa Hill area of Placer County is urged to lock their doors and remain inside as the search continues.
