Police in Victoria, Australia, believe that Dezi Freeman, a fugitive accused of murdering two police officers, is receiving assistance from community members to evade capture, as the manhunt enters its seventh day. Superintendent Brett Kahan appealed to the public on Monday, emphasizing that harboring Freeman is a serious crime and urging those with information to come forward.
The incident began on August 26 when officers arrived at Freeman’s property in Porepunkah to execute a search warrant related to historical sex offences and a firearms prohibition order. Freeman, a 56-year-old known for his “sovereign citizen” ideology and anti-authority views, allegedly opened fire, killing Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, and injuring another officer before fleeing into the surrounding bushland.
An intensive search operation has been underway, involving helicopters, armoured vehicles, and specialist teams from Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police. Despite scouring hundreds of acres of dense forest, there has been no confirmed sighting of Freeman, leading authorities to suspect he is being hidden or aided by individuals familiar with the terrain.
Superintendent Kahan revealed that over 450 tips have been received, but some people are withholding knowledge of Freeman’s whereabouts. A mobile facility has been established in nearby Bright to facilitate anonymous reporting, operating daily to encourage cooperation from the public.
Freeman’s wife, Amalia Freeman, was arrested briefly but released without charges. She publicly urged her husband to surrender and expressed deep sorrow for the victims’ families, stating that she and her children respect police work and do not hold anti-authority views.
The killings have revived memories of a similar ambush in Queensland three years ago, highlighting ongoing concerns about how law enforcement handles individuals with extremist ideologies. Freeman’s case underscores challenges in risk assessment, as authorities conducted an evaluation but did not request specialist support initially.
The manhunt continues amid preparations for the funerals of the slain officers, scheduled for later this week, which adds emotional and logistical strains to the police force. Authorities remain determined to capture Freeman and ensure justice is served, with the community largely supportive but some suspected of involvement.
This case may prompt reviews of police procedures regarding high-risk individuals, as efforts to locate Freeman persist with unwavering commitment.