Search continues for armed suspect in Iowa Hill

Editor's note: This story was updated at 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, to include the latest information involving a vegetation fire in the search area. The search for Derek Spencer, who is considered armed and dangerous, continues in Iowa Hill. The Placer County Sheriff's Office confirmed the search area is large, with dense forest and steep, rugged terrain, making the search a challenge. Spencer, 44, of the Greater Sacramento area, is wanted for several felonies, including pointing a firearm at a couple on Sunday. Spencer was located in the Iowa Hill area Sunday afternoon when he rammed a patrol vehicle and fled the area. Spencer reportedly fired shots at law enforcement and law enforcement helicopters. According to the Sheriff's Office, tactical teams cleared a home where Spencer had been earlier in the search and located an adult female who was shot and killed inside the residence. "At this point in the investigation, it's believed Spencer murdered the woman before fleeing into the surrounding forest," the Sheriff's Office stated. Search resources include tactical teams from the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office, Nevada County Sheriff's Office, Roseville and Rocklin police departments, CHP, California State Parks and the Grass Valley Police Department. A vegetation fire has started in area where law enforcement is actively searching for Spencer. CAL FIRE confirmed the fire is approximately two acres and burning in the timber understory with a slow rate of spread. "Because the suspect is still at large, firefighters have not been able to engage the fire," CAL FIRE reported Sunday night. CAL FIRE confirmed eight fire engines, four water tenders, four hand crews and two bulldozers are staged and ready to be deployed once Spencer is detained. Fire activity is being monitored by remote sensing aircraft at high elevation. Firefighters will remain on scene until the fire is fully contained, CAL FIRE reported. Residents in the Iowa Hill area are urged to lock their doors and remain inside, the Sheriff's Office shared Sunday afternoon. "Teams will continue searching throughout the night and will not slow down as we work to locate this armed and very dangerous individual," the Sheriff's Office confirmed. This is a developing story. Gold Mountain California News Media will report additional details as they are released.