Search Underway for Armed and Dangerous Suspect 

September 21, 2026 – Placer County Sheriff’s Office officials report that deputies are searching the Iowa Hill area for a suspect who is armed and dangerous.

The suspect, 44-year-old Derek Spencer (pictured below), is wanted for several felonies, including pointing a firearm at victims in Placer County on Sunday. While searching for Spencer, deputies located him in the Iowa Hill area. Spencer then rammed a Placer County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle and fled the area, prompting the ongoing search.

Spencer has fired shots at law enforcement and at law enforcement helicopters.

Everyone in the Iowa Hill area is urged to lock your doors and remain inside.

We will continue to provide updates as more information is available.

Update: Murder Victim Located During Search for Armed and Dangerous Suspect 

Placer County Sheriff’s Office officials report that the search continues for 44-year-old Derek Spencer in the Iowa Hill area. The search area is very large, with dense forest and steep, rugged terrain making the search challenging.

As tactical teams worked to clear a home where Spencer had been earlier in the search, they located an adult female who had been shot and killed inside the home. At this point in the investigation, 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.

Teams will continue searching throughout the night and will not slow down as we work to locate this armed and very dangerous individual.

Source & photos: Placer County Sheriff’s Office