California gunman repeatedly released before deadly rampage, fiery shootout with deputies

A California murder suspect was arrested three times in less than two weeks and walked out of jail after each bust before authorities said his crime spree ended with an innocent woman dead and a fiery shootout with deputies.

Prosecutors said they tried to keep Derek Spencer, 44, behind bars after he allegedly assaulted a Sacramento County sheriff’s deputy.

Instead, he posted bail, was arrested twice more and was released both times before allegedly killing 76-year-old Cheryl Macy , a beloved former Placer County District Attorney’s Office employee.

"Sadly, this should never have occurred but bail reform in California has prioritized criminal offenders over victims," the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

Spencer was ultimately killed early Monday after allegedly opening fire on Placer County sheriff’s deputies during a tense standoff in the rugged forest near Iowa Hill.

MANHUNT UNDERWAY IN CALIFORNIA AFTER ARMED SUSPECT ALLEGEDLY POINTS GUN AT PEOPLE, SHOOTS AT OFFICERS Authorities said he also set two fires as tactical teams closed in, forcing an overnight helicopter rescue of three SWAT operators threatened by the flames.

VIDEO SHOWS POLICE TAKE DOWN COP KILLER WITH ARMORED VEHICLE AFTER GUNMAN TURNED NEIGHBORHOOD INTO WAR ZONE The deadly chain of events followed a string of arrests and releases that prosecutors said exposed dangerous gaps in California’s bail system.

The first arrest came Sept.

3, when Sacramento County deputies accused Spencer of felony vandalism, resisting arrest and assaulting a deputy with a deadly weapon.

CHARLOTTE REPEAT OFFENDER CHARGED WITH KILLING MAN HOURS AFTER RELEASE ON BOND The Sacramento County DA’s office filed charges Sept.

8, including felony assault with a deadly weapon likely to cause great bodily injury and attempting, through threats and violence, to prevent the deputy from carrying out official duties.

Prosecutors asked that Spencer remain in custody, but a judge set bail as required by law, the DA’s office said.

Spencer posted it and was released Sept.

11.