Police Intensify Manhunt for Dezi Freeman After Deadly Shootings

Authorities are intensifying their search for Dezi Freeman, a 56-year-old man accused of killing two police officers during an operation at his rural property in Porepunkah, Australia. The incident occurred on March 5, 2024, when Freeman allegedly shot a 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old senior constable before escaping into nearby bushland. As the manhunt approaches its second week, police have expressed concerns that others may be assisting him.

According to Victoria Police, the two slain officers were part of a ten-member team that arrived at Freeman’s property to execute a search warrant. The details of this warrant have not yet been disclosed. A third officer sustained injuries during the altercation, but they are not considered life-threatening.

At a press conference on Monday, Supt Brett Kahan of Victoria Police confirmed that the search for Freeman has not yielded any sightings since the shootings. He urged the public to come forward with any information, emphasizing that those who are aiding Freeman are committing a serious crime. “You are committing an extremely serious crime by harbouring or assisting in the escape of Dezi Freeman,” Kahan stated.

The police have established a special “mobile facility” in the nearby town of Bright, where members of the public can anonymously provide tips regarding Freeman’s whereabouts. This initiative aims to encourage community involvement in the search effort.

Freeman’s wife, arrested alongside a 15-year-old in connection with the case, has since been released. She has made a public appeal for her husband to surrender. Meanwhile, Mike Bush, Victoria’s Chief Commissioner of Police, has described Freeman as heavily armed and possessing advanced wilderness survival skills, raising concerns about the potential risks he poses.

The tragic events in Porepunkah mark a significant moment for law enforcement in Australia, as the last incident involving police fatalities occurred in 2023 in South Australia. The ongoing situation has prompted increased scrutiny and concern regarding the safety of police officers across the country.

As the manhunt continues, local communities remain on high alert, and authorities are calling for vigilance. The search for Dezi Freeman is not just a law enforcement operation but a community effort to ensure safety and justice in the wake of this devastating incident.