Placer County murder suspect killed after shootout with deputies, sheriff says

PLACER COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) -- The search for a murder suspect in Placer County ended Monday after authorities said 44-year-old Derek Spencer was shot and killed during a shootout with deputies in the Iowa Hills area northeast of Colfax.

The Placer County Sheriff's Office said Spencer had been the subject of a manhunt during which he allegedly set several fires, rammed a patrol vehicle and fired at officers and law enforcement helicopters.

Authorities said Spencer shot and killed 76-year-old Cheryl Macy inside her home on Sunday while looking for a place to hide.

"Unfortunately, we don't believe there was any connection," Wayne said. "Right now it just appears that after he struck and disabled a deputy's vehicle he was just looking for a place to get off the main road and unfortunately for Ms. Macy, it was her residence."

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According to the sheriff's office, Spencer had been arrested and released on bond three times this month on lesser charges, including car theft.

The sheriff's office said the manhunt concluded early Monday when Spencer was killed in the exchange of gunfire with deputies.