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A massive manhunt is underway in rural Victoria, Australia, for 56-year-old Dezi Freeman, who allegedly murdered two police officers during a search warrant execution at his Porepunkah property last Tuesday. Freeman, a self-proclaimed sovereign citizen and conspiracy theorist, is believed to have escaped into the dense bushland surrounding his property, where he remains at large.
Police arrived at Freeman’s property to execute a search warrant related to alleged historical sex offenses. Freeman allegedly opened fire, killing Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35, and injuring a third officer. He then fled into the bush, taking the officers’ service pistols and a police radio.
Over 450 police officers, including specialized units and helicopters, have been deployed to search for Freeman. Superintendent Brett Kahan has urged anyone with information about Freeman’s whereabouts to come forward, warning that harboring or assisting him is a serious crime. Freeman’s wife, Amalia, has publicly urged him to surrender and expressed condolences to the families of the officers.
Dezi Freeman has a history of conflict with law enforcement and has espoused sovereign citizen views, rejecting government authority and laws. He has previously clashed with police and judges,and has been known to pose as a firefighter to evade roadblocks. Freeman’s familiarity with the alpine bushland and his bushcraft skills have raised concerns that he may evade capture for an extended period.
The community has been shocked by the incident, and some members are believed to be assisting Freeman in evading capture. Authorities have warned that anyone helping Freeman will face serious consequences. The police operation has been extensive, with roadblocks and helicopters deployed in the area.
