A large manhunt was underway Sunday in Placer County, California, for 44-year-old Derek Spencer, who authorities consider armed and dangerous after a series of violent incidents in the Iowa Hill area, about 10 miles east of Colfax. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office said Spencer is wanted on several felony charges, including allegedly pointing a firearm at people earlier in the day.

Deputies located Spencer in the Iowa Hill area, but authorities said he rammed a Placer County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle and fled. During the ensuing search, officials said Spencer fired shots at deputies and law enforcement helicopters.

The search took a more serious turn when tactical teams clearing a home where Spencer had previously been located found an adult woman who had been shot and killed. Authorities believe Spencer killed the woman before fleeing into the surrounding forest, although the investigation remains ongoing.

The area presents significant challenges for law enforcement, with a large search zone containing dense forest and steep, rugged terrain. Multiple police departments and sheriff’s offices are assisting Placer County deputies in the effort to locate Spencer.

Residents in the Iowa Hill area have been urged to lock their doors and remain indoors while the search continues. Officials have also confirmed a fire is burning near the search area, but firefighting efforts have been delayed because of the ongoing law enforcement operation. Authorities have not confirmed whether the fire is connected to the manhunt.