MANHUNT INTENSIFIES: Cops Swarm Myrtleford Home in Search for Alleged Cop Killer Dezi Freeman as Man Is Dragged Away in Handcuffs
- Heavily armed tactical officers storm a home in Myrtleford, detaining a man in connection with the search for Dezi Freeman
- The alleged cop killer has been on the run for four weeks, sparking the nation’s largest tactical operation
- A local business owner describes Bright as a “ghost town” as tourists avoid the area, with the state government offering $5000 grants to affected businesses
Dezi Freeman, the 56-year-old man accused of shooting two Victoria Police officers, has sparked a massive manhunt that has reached its fourth week. In a dramatic development, a man has been detained in Myrtleford, near the corner of Standish St and Roberts St, as police search for illegal guns.
Heavily armed tactical officers in camouflage stormed the home, guns drawn, and brought the man outside in handcuffs around 4pm on Friday. The man’s face was hidden by a hooded jumper, and it is unclear if he is connected to Freeman.
The search for Freeman began on August 26, when he allegedly shot officers Neal Thompson and Vadim de Waart-Hottart at a property in Porepunkah, about 300km northeast of Melbourne. Freeman then fled into nearby bushland, sparking a massive operation involving police and military officials.
The intense search has turned Bright into a “ghost town”, according to one local business owner, as tourists avoid the area. To mitigate the economic impact, the state government has announced a $2.5 million assistance package, including $5000 grants for affected businesses.
Despite extensive searches and numerous tip-offs, police have failed to narrow down three possibilities: Freeman remains in bushland alone, he is being assisted by others, or he is dead as a result of self-harm. A reward is available to anyone who provides information leading to Freeman’s capture, including his wife, Mali, who police say has not fully cooperated with the investigation.