Just before 2:30 a.m. members of the Placer County Sheriff’s Office Special Enforcement Team moved into a heavily forested area, where the suspect, 44-year-old Derek Spencer, was attempting to hide.
The suspect’s location was found with assistance from a California Highway Patrol aircraft using infrared technology. That information allowed tactical teams to develop a plan to approach the suspect.
Several teams then made their way through steep, difficult terrain in the dark. The approach took several hours.
Once the tactical teams reached the suspect’s location, the suspect fired several shots. That led to a standoff, during which the suspect was seen via drone footage starting two separate fires. At 4 a.m. the suspect once again fired shots toward deputies from a berm he was hiding behind, deputies returned fire ultimately striking and killing the suspect.
This suspect went on a dangerous crime spree that took a tragic turn, resulting in the loss of an innocent life. Our hearts are with the family impacted by this senseless and random act of violence.
Just this month Spencer had been arrested three times. One September 3rd he was arrested by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office for felony vandalism, assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer and resisting arrest. He was released on Sept 11th on bond. Then on September 13th he arrested by Folsom PD for burglary. He was released the same day on his own recognizance. On September 15th he was arrested by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office for stealing a car, he was released the next day on September 16th on bond. Then on September 19th he stole a vehicle and guns, and shot at a moving vehicle in El Dorado County. That led up to the incident and manhunt in Iowa Hill on September 20th.
CAL FIRE NEU/Placer County is now working on fire suppression efforts.
This was a difficult operation that required a lot of resources. We appreciate the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, CHP – Air Operations, California State Parks, City of Roseville, California Police Department, Rocklin Police Department, Nevada City Police Department and Grass Valley Police Department for quickly sending personnel and resources to assist. Their support was critical.