Victoria Police have received approximately 200 new tip-offs regarding the possible whereabouts of Dezi Freeman, the alleged gunman in the Porepunkah shooting. This surge in information follows the announcement of a $1 million reward over the weekend, bringing the total number of tips to around 1,000. Despite these efforts, police have yet to confirm a sighting of the 59-year-old suspect in the two weeks since the fatal incident, as officers confirmed on Wednesday.
Search operations continue to focus on the bushland surrounding Porepunkah, with police determined to comb through the rough terrain until Freeman is located. Superintendent Craig Darlow emphasized the commitment of the police force to the search, stating, “We’ve searched caves, we’ve searched mineshafts, huts, and we’ll continue to do that over the coming weeks if need be.”
Impact on the Local Community
The ongoing police operation has significantly impacted the town of Porepunkah, with local businesses experiencing a downturn as tourists are advised to stay away. Superintendent Darlow acknowledged the frustration within the community but urged patience and understanding. “Whilst some of the people in the community might be frustrated with this and have difficulties with this, we request that they be patient and understand that we have a job to do,” he said.
Police Update and Community Response
In a recent press conference, Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly and Superintendent Craig Darlow provided updates on the manhunt for Freeman. Despite the lack of resolution, Detective Superintendent Kelly maintained that the police are not frustrated. Instead, the recent funerals of the fallen officers, Neal Thompson and Vadim De Waart-Hottart, have strengthened their resolve. “The property where the shooting occurred was no longer considered a crime scene,” Kelly stated, indicating a shift in the investigation’s focus.
Emotional Visit by Victim’s Family
The parents of Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, one of the officers killed in the shooting, visited regional Victoria to meet with their late son’s colleagues. Carolina de Waart and Alain Hottart traveled by helicopter to the police staging area in Ovens, 13 kilometers northwest of Porepunkah, to gain a deeper understanding of the ongoing manhunt.
“I think the community could appreciate it’s a very distressing time for them, very emotional,” Detective Superintendent Kelly said. “The police who were there, it was a very emotional time for us.”
Senior Constable de Waart-Hottart and Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson were shot dead on August 26 while serving a warrant for historical sex offenses at a rural property in Porepunkah. The tragic event has left a profound impact on the police community and the families of the victims.
Honoring the Fallen Officers
Senior Constable de Waart-Hottart was honored at a police funeral at the Victoria Police Academy in Melbourne, attended by approximately 3,000 people. His parents, who reside in Belgium, were present to pay their respects. The service remembered him as a “hero” with a “contagious smile,” and his brother Sacha urged attendees to remember him for “how he lived, not how he died.”
The late senior constable was celebrated as an adventurous spirit who loved the outdoors and traveling. His temporary assignment in Wangaratta had brought him to the area, where he tragically lost his life.
As the manhunt for Dezi Freeman continues, the police remain resolute in their efforts to bring closure to the victims’ families and the community. The search is ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
