DEADLY HIDEOUT FEARS: Cops hunt accused ‘sovereign citizen’ killer Dezi Freeman in abandoned mine shafts after police officer ambush slayings
- Fears grow that Dezi Freeman, 56, could be hiding in one of thousands of abandoned mine shafts in regional Victoria
- The accused killer, linked to the ‘sovereign citizen’ movement, allegedly shot dead two police officers and wounded a third in Porepunkah
- Locals warn that Freeman could be receiving assistance from someone in the community, sparking a manhunt for anyone harbouring or aiding him
Dezi Freeman, the accused killer at the centre of a massive manhunt, may have literally gone underground, hiding in one of thousands of abandoned mine shafts that dot the Victorian bush. Fears are growing that the 56-year-old, linked to the ‘sovereign citizen’ movement, could be using his outdoorsman skills to evade capture after allegedly shooting dead two police officers and wounding a third in a deadly ambush at his Porepunkah home.
Police have warned that Freeman is still heavily armed and poses a risk to the community, sparking a massive search effort involving 450 officers. The no-fly zone over Porepunkah has been extended, with all aircraft, including drones, banned from flying within a 10 nautical mile radius of the local airport.
Meanwhile, the funeral of Vadim de Waart-Hottart, the officer killed alongside Neal Thompson, took place today with full police honours at the Victoria Police Academy at Glen Waverley. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan attended the service.
“I’d be lying to say that I’m not upset about the death of these two members,” said former Victoria Police officer Alex Krstic, a friend of slain officer Neal Thompson. “But when you consider the circumstances of what happened, it’s pretty tragic. The whole thing is very tragic and it hurts the entire Victorian community.”
Police have vowed to continue their search for Freeman, despite the funeral taking place today. “We won’t let up until we find Dezi Freeman and bring him to justice,” a police spokesperson said.