Manhunt for ‘sovereign citizen’ cop killer INTENSIFIES: Heavily armed police swarm quiet country street and chopper circles overhead as desperate wife of Dezi Freeman pleads ‘turn yourself in’
- Heavily armed police are swarming a street in Wangaratta, 75km from the scene of the crime, in a frantic search for accused cop killer Dezi Freeman
- Freeman, a suspected ‘sovereign citizen’, allegedly shot dead two officers and injured a third during a raid on his home over historic sex offences
- His desperate wife Amalia has now issued a gut-wrenching plea for her husband to surrender as police warn anyone helping him faces serious charges
A quiet suburban street has been thrown into chaos as heavily armed police swarm the area in the desperate, widening manhunt for accused double cop killer Dezi Freeman.
Plain-clothed officers in unmarked cars have been seen going door-to-door and knocking on windows in Wangaratta, a regional town 75 kilometres from where Freeman allegedly gunned down two veteran officers last week.
The dramatic escalation in the search also saw a police helicopter circling ominously overhead, while elite BearCat armoured vehicles and special operations crews descended on Freeman’s semi-rural property back in Porepunkah.
The frantic search for Freeman was launched last Tuesday, August 26, after a team of 10 police officers arrived at his home to execute a search warrant related to shocking historic sex offences.
It is believed that Freeman, who has been linked to the dangerous anti-authority “sovereign citizen” movement, carried out the chilling attack that killed respected officers Neal Thompson, 59, and Vadim De Waart, 35, and left a third officer wounded.
As the manhunt enters its second week, police are ramping up the pressure, revealing they have already gathered around 450 pieces of intelligence from the public.
Superintendent Brett Kahan issued a direct and stern message to the fugitive, calling for Freeman to contact triple zero to arrange a “surrender plan”.
He also delivered a stark warning that anyone caught harbouring or assisting Freeman in his escape is committing a serious crime and will face the full force of the law.
In a heartbreaking development, Freeman’s own wife, Amalia, has broken her silence to plead with her husband to give himself up.
Meanwhile, the local community remains on edge, reeling from the shocking violence that shattered their peaceful region.
Alpine Shire Council Mayor Sarah Nicholas praised the strength and camaraderie of residents during this incredibly difficult time, confirming the council is working to provide support services for those in need.