Suspect detained during mountain search for alleged murderer of a Victoria police officer
In the picturesque town of Porepunkah, located in Victoria, Australia, a massive manhunt is underway for a fugitive named Dezi Freeman. The 56-year-old man, who follows the ideology of sovereign citizenship, is accused of the tragic murder of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart.
The search efforts have been intensified, with over 450 police officers deployed to the area. However, tough conditions, including thunderstorms, lashings of rain, hail, and strong winds, have posed significant challenges. Despite these adverse weather conditions, the police have been relentless in their pursuit.
On Thursday night, Freeman's 42-year-old wife Mali and 15-year-old son were arrested and interviewed, but were later released without charges. The arrest of the 61-year-old man in connection with the investigation occurred at a property in Bright, approximately 6km from Porepunkah. Guns and cannabis were seized from the home during the arrest.
Freeman is described as wearing dark green tracksuit pants, a dark green rain jacket, Blundstone boots, and reading glasses. Given his bush survival experience, he is believed to have fled into the nearby bush following the fatal confrontation at his property in Porepunkah.
Unfortunately, there is no information regarding a person arrested on Friday evening at 16:45 in Bright, connected to Dezi Freeman, who was later questioned by investigators.
The local Our Lady of Snows Catholic church, which Freeman attended, remains closed. The community has been urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings to the authorities.
In a precautionary measure, a parkrun event in nearby Bright was cancelled on Saturday due to police recommendations. Temperatures plunged below 6C in the early hours of Saturday, making the search even more challenging.
The police are urging Freeman to surrender peacefully. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. The search for Dezi Freeman continues, and the community hopes for a swift resolution to this tragic situation.
