Australian authorities intensified their search on Friday for a heavily armed gunman accused of killing two police officers in Victoria’s northeast, urging him to surrender and “lay down your firearms” as the man evaded capture for a fourth consecutive day in rugged bushland.
The suspect, 56-year-old Dezi Freeman, fled into dense forest near the rural town of Porepunkah on Tuesday after opening fire on a team of ten officers at his home. The attack left 59-year-old detective Neal Thompson and 35-year-old senior constable Vadim De Waart dead, while a third officer sustained lower-body injuries and was scheduled for a second surgery, though police said he was expected to recover.
State police chief commissioner Mike Bush described the incident as “horrific” and emphasized that the man remains “armed and dangerous.” “The number one priority for Victoria Police is the hunt for this murderer,” Bush said during a press briefing. “If that person is listening, it really is time to lay down your firearms and give yourself up, so that we can all bring this to a safe conclusion.”
Over 450 police personnel have been deployed to locate Freeman, who is believed to possess bush survival skills and an intimate knowledge of the local terrain, making the search particularly challenging. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and warned that anyone attempting to assist Freeman in evading capture would face criminal prosecution.
Australian media reports indicate that Freeman is associated with the “sovereign citizen” movement, a radicalized group that rejects government authority and believes laws do not apply to them. While the motive behind the attack has not been confirmed, the suspect’s ideology has raised concerns about potential further threats.
Police conducted a late Thursday raid at Freeman’s property, detaining his 42-year-old partner and 15-year-old son for questioning. Both were released after interrogation, as authorities found no evidence linking them to the shooting.
The violent encounter began when officers arrived at Freeman’s home on Tuesday morning to execute a search warrant. While authorities have not disclosed the precise reason for the warrant, they confirmed that members of the sexual offences and child investigation squad were part of the team. During the shootout, Freeman fired at police, but initial reports indicate that he was not injured in the exchange.
Australian Police Hunt Gunman After Fatal Shooting of Two Officers in Victoria
Deadly shootings remain relatively rare in Australia, and the deaths of law enforcement officers are even less common. According to the national memorial to fallen police, the most recent officer killed by gunfire was recorded in 2023. These fatalities underscore the gravity of the Porepunkah incident and have sent shockwaves through the local community and law enforcement agencies nationwide.
The use of firearms in Australia is tightly regulated. Following the Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania in 1996, where a lone gunman killed 35 people, Australia implemented a nationwide ban on automatic and semi-automatic weapons. Despite these strict gun laws, isolated incidents of armed attacks on police personnel continue to challenge the authorities.
Chief Commissioner Bush urged patience and vigilance, emphasizing that the safety of the public and police officers remains the top priority. “We understand that the community is anxious, but we are committed to bringing this situation to a safe and lawful conclusion,” he said.
Police search operations have concentrated on dense bushland and remote areas where Freeman is believed to be hiding. The effort includes specialized tactical units, aerial surveillance, and ground teams combing the forested terrain. Authorities are leveraging intelligence reports and local knowledge to track the suspect, whose experience in bush survival presents a formidable obstacle.
As the manhunt continues, residents in Porepunkah and surrounding communities have been warned to exercise caution. Law enforcement officials have advised locals to report any suspicious activity and avoid approaching the suspect if encountered.
The Porepunkah shooting has prompted a national conversation about officer safety and the challenges of confronting armed suspects in rural and remote areas. Experts note that, while Australia’s strict gun laws have significantly reduced mass shootings and gun-related crimes, isolated acts of violence against law enforcement remain a persistent concern.
Freeman’s continued evasion of authorities has placed unprecedented strain on Victoria Police resources, with hundreds of officers mobilized to protect the public while attempting to apprehend the suspect. Authorities continue to hope for a peaceful resolution, urging Freeman to surrender voluntarily and avoid further loss of life.
As the situation develops, police have reiterated their commitment to capturing Freeman safely, providing regular updates to keep the public informed. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement personnel and the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols during high-risk operations.
Source- Punchng
