A week after the tragic shooting deaths of two police officers in Victoria’s north-east, authorities are shifting their strategy in the manhunt for Dezi Freeman, the suspect believed to be responsible. Freeman disappeared into the bushland surrounding his Porepunkah property after allegedly opening fire on police officers who were executing a warrant for historical sex offences.
Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart lost their lives in the incident, while a third officer sustained serious injuries. Funerals for the fallen officers are being organized as the search for Freeman, who is thought to be heavily armed, continues.
Community on Edge as Search Intensifies
Superintendent Brett Kahan announced on Monday that the police are altering their approach, believing Freeman is alive and receiving assistance. “People know the whereabouts of the person who has allegedly killed two cops,” Kahan stated, urging anyone with information to come forward.
The police have set up a public information caravan in the nearby town of Bright to encourage community members to provide tips. They are particularly interested in locations Freeman might have visited within the closed Mount Buffalo National Park. Superintendent Kahan reported receiving a “remarkable” amount of information in the last 18 hours and mentioned the possibility of offering a reward for information leading to Freeman’s capture.
Impact on Local Businesses
The ongoing search operation has left the local community uneasy. Andrea Siede, a resident and business owner, expressed her concerns about the situation. “Every noise you hear, every car that goes past the park … at night time it’s probably the worst,” she said.
The road closures and the tense atmosphere have led to cancellations at local businesses, including Siede’s caravan parks. “We’ve still got our mortgages to pay, we’ve got our staff to pay. Our bills don’t stop,” she explained, reflecting the broader economic impact on the region.
Authorities and Community Leaders Respond
Alpine Shire Mayor Sarah Nicholas assured that the local council is working on support services for those affected. Federal independent member for Indi, Helen Haines, highlighted the significant loss of income across multiple sectors, noting the area’s reliance on winter tourism. “With significant snow on our alps, these towns would in other circumstances be a hive of activity,” she said.
Meanwhile, police efforts have intensified, with more officers joining the search. Superintendent Kahan emphasized, “Instead of decreasing our commitment to this, we’re increasing, and we’ll continue to throw the full arm of Victoria Police towards the search for this armed fugitive.”
Family Pleas and Legal Developments
Freeman’s wife, Amalia Freeman, and their teenage son were arrested and later released pending further inquiries. Amalia has publicly pleaded for her husband to surrender. “Speaking to police and cooperating is two different things,” Superintendent Kahan remarked, underscoring the complexity of the situation.
As the search enters its eighth day, the community remains hopeful for a resolution. The funerals for the officers are scheduled for Friday and the following Monday, with Police Veterans Victoria inviting veterans and serving members to pay their respects.
Looking Forward
Superintendent Kahan reaffirmed the police’s dedication to capturing Freeman, despite his reputed skills in navigating the bush. “But I’d like to say Victoria Police are pretty good at it too. So the hunt will continue until we find him,” he stated, highlighting the ongoing commitment to justice for the fallen officers.
The situation remains fluid, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward, as the community grapples with the aftermath of the incident and its broader implications.
