In a massive manhunt, police in rural Victoria are searching for Dezi Freeman, a 56-year-old suspect accused of shooting dead two officers and wounding a third in a rural town.
The search has entered its third day, with police deploying “every available asset” to apprehend the alleged gunman.
Suspect’s Background and Description
Freeman, also known as Desmond Filby, is believed to be heavily armed and has an extensive knowledge of the area’s bushland.
He was last seen wearing dark green/khaki tracksuit pants, a dark green rain jacket, brown Blundstone boots, and reading glasses.
Police have warned that he is a self-proclaimed sovereign citizen and may be hiding in a bunker or have set up traps in the area.
Police Operations and Community Support
The police operation has involved aerial technology, including optical, infra-red, and thermal cameras, as well as a massive emergency presence on the ground.
Experts believe thermal cameras are particularly effective in dense foliage, as they can filter out vegetation and highlight the heat signature of a person on the ground.
The police have also set up a no-fly zone in the 7.5km radius of the winery where the incident occurred.
In the meantime, the local community has been urged to stay indoors and lock their cars and houses.
Many facilities in the town remain closed, and police have thanked the public for their kind words and tributes.
Across the state, police stations have been inundated with flowers and baked goods in honour of the fallen officers.
Investigation and Community Reaction
The investigation is ongoing, with police checking properties in the area and speaking to Freeman’s wife.
Despite the challenging terrain and weather conditions, police remain determined to apprehend the alleged gunman.
Locals believe that Freeman may see suicide in the remote bush as “sweet revenge,” forcing police to waste resources searching for his body.
In Melbourne, iconic landmarks, including Flinders St Station, Federation Square, and the Bolte Bridge, have been lit up in blue to commemorate the fallen officers.
The Rural City of Wangaratta has also paid tribute to the slain officers by lighting up its water tower in blue lights, which will remain in place for a week.