Gunman who sparked terror in small California town was arrested three times in a month before shooting dead elderly homeowner
A gunman who murdered a local government worker in Northern California before cops shot him dead committed several crimes in the weeks before the attack.Derek Spencer, 44, was detained three times in September — weeks before he killed longtime former Placer County District Attorney’s Office employee Cheryl Macy over the weekend.The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office noted he was arrested for felony vandalism, assault with a deadly weapon on a Sacramento sheriff’s deputy, and resisting arrest on Sept.3.
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By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story Eleven days later, Spencer was arrested in Folsom County on a burglary charge.
And then, less than a week after that, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office nabbed him on a charge of stealing a vehicle on Sept.16.But he was released on bond on Sept.
11 and again Sept.17. For his third arrest, a judge granted him a pre-arraignment release, according to KCRA.Law enforcement officials believe Spencer killed Macy as he ran from law enforcement following further crimes, including pointing a firearm at people in Placer County.Police encountered the criminal last Sunday morning, but he managed to ram a police vehicle and get away.Spencer escaped again after police found him later that day shooting at a police helicopter and other deputies.
A helicopter eventually found him early Monday morning using infrared technology.The on-the-run criminal began a shootout with police as they closed in on him.After more than 2 hours, police shot him dead, ending his crime spree around 4:30 a.m.
Monday.A helicopter was needed to move his body because he had started multiple fires in the area.Officials suspect Spencer started the Mineral Fire, which has only spread 18 acres, with 20% containment as of Tuesday morning.Loved ones mourned Ma...