A large-scale manhunt is underway in Victoria’s north-east for Dezi Freeman, 56, who is suspected of killing two police officers during a warrant execution near Porepunkah on Tuesday, August 26.
Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, a 38-year veteran nearing retirement, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, who had served seven years, were shot dead. A third officer was seriously injured and underwent emergency surgery.
Police said Freeman opened fire on a group of 10 officers before fleeing on foot into dense bushland with several firearms. He is described as an experienced bushman with intimate knowledge of the alpine region.
Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said: “He knows that area … even though we have experts, he will know it better than us.”
Armoured vehicles, dog squads and helicopters have been deployed, with a no-fly zone declared and residents told to stay indoors. Severe alpine weather, including snow and freezing temperatures, is hampering the search.
Freeman, also known as Desmond Filby, is a self-described “sovereign citizen” with a history of police run-ins, mostly for driving offences.
Last year, he challenged the suspension of his driver’s licence in the Supreme Court and revealed his firearms licences had been cancelled. He was also the subject of Tuesday’s warrant, relating to historical sex crimes.
On Tuesday night, major landmarks across Victoria were lit in blue to honour the fallen officers.
Chief Commissioner Bush described them as “brave and fine members”, adding: “This devastating loss of Neal and Vadim has struck at the heart of Victoria Police, the broader policing family and the community of Porepunkah.”
Source: ABC.
