Massive Manhunt Intensifies: Cops Swarm Bushland Behind Porepunkah Airfield in Desperate Search for Accused Cop Killer Dezi Freeman
- Police launch fresh search operation in bushland behind Porepunkah Airfield, with helicopters circling the area
- $1 million reward offered for information leading to the capture of Freeman, the largest ever offered in the state
- Tributes pour in for fallen police officers Neal Thompson and Vadim De Waart-Hottart, who were allegedly gunned down by Freeman on August 26
Police have dramatically escalated their manhunt for accused cop killer Dezi Freeman, with a critical response team and scores of officers combing a new search area in the bushland behind Porepunkah Airfield.
The fresh operation comes as the manhunt enters its 15th day, with Freeman still on the loose after allegedly gunning down police officers Neal Thompson, 59, and Vadim De Waart-Hottart, 34, and injuring a third at his rural property in Victoria’s north-east on August 26.
In a emotionally charged address to state parliament, Premier Jacinta Allan paid tribute to the fallen police officers, saying every family of an officer deserves to have their loved ones arrive home safe.
“For 38 years, Neal served Victoria Police with courage, steadiness and a deep commitment,” Allan said. “Neal was an adventurer. He loved the outdoors, he found joy in nature.”
She added that Thompson had been looking forward to a “well-earned future after a lifetime of service”, while De Waart-Hottart had just bought his first home.
“,” Allan said.
The deadly shooting has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit town of Porepunkah, with residents struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
“It’s shaken their sense of safety, disrupted daily life and cast a long shadow that will take time to pass,” Allan said. “Our state will stand with Porepunkah as long as it takes.”
Police this week offered a $1 million reward to anyone with information leading to the capture of Freeman, the largest ever offered in the state.
Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said that he remains open to all possibilities in regards to the whereabouts of Freeman and said the reward was “just another avenue” in the hunt.