PLACER COUNTY, CA — A man was fatally shot by authorities after a cross-county crime spree in which he killed a woman and was pursued by officials through a remote part of Placer County, exchanging gunfire with law enforcement in the early morning hours, according to authorities.
Sheriff Wayne Woo identified the gunman as 44-year-old Derek Spencer and his victim as 76-year-old mother and grandmother Cheryl Macy during a news conference published in full by ABC 10.
"This suspect went on a dangerous crime spree that took a tragic turn, resulting in the loss of an innocent life," the Placer County Sheriff's Office said in a social media post. "Our hearts are with the family impacted by this senseless and random act of violence."
The sheriff's office announced Sunday that authorities were searching around Iowa Hill for Spencer, who in September was arrested three times in the Sacramento area on suspicion of vandalism, assault with a deadly weapon on an officer, resisting arrest, burglary and vehicle theft.
Over the weekend, he stole a vehicle and guns, shot at a moving vehicle in El Dorado County, pointed a firearm at victims in Placer County, rammed a sheriff's office vehicle, and fled law enforcement, according to authorities, who urged everyone in Iowa Hill to lock their doors and stay inside. Spencer also fired shots at authorities and law enforcement helicopters, according to the sheriff's office.
Tactical teams clearing a home where Spencer had been earlier in the search found a woman who had been shot and killed, authorities said, adding Spencer is believed to have killed her before fleeing into the surrounding forest.
Just before 2:30 a.m. Monday, members of the sheriff's office special enforcement team moved into a heavily forested area where Spencer was trying to hide, according to authorities, who said his location was found with help from a California Highway Patrol aircraft using infrared technology.
Over the course of the incident, Spencer started multiple fires, authorities said.
When tactical teams reached his location, Spencer fired several shots, leading to a standoff, according to officials. He again fired shots toward deputies at 4 a.m. from a berm he was hiding behind, according to authorities, who said the deputies returned fire, killing Spencer.
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