DESI FREEMAN MANHUNT: Police Taskforce Summit Takes Over Search for Alleged Gunman as Mount Buffalo National Park Reopens
- A new police taskforce has been formed to continue the search for Dezi Freeman, who is wanted for allegedly killing two police officers.
- Taskforce Summit will lead the search, with detectives from Crime Command and specialist resources from various squads.
- Mount Buffalo National Park has fully reopened to the public, but police warn the investigation is “far from over”.
The hunt for alleged gunman Dezi Freeman has reached a critical juncture, with a new police taskforce taking over the search as Mount Buffalo National Park reopens to the public. Taskforce Summit, comprising detectives from Crime Command and specialist resources from the Fugitive Squad, Armed Crime Squad, and other units, will lead the investigation.
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien emphasized that the search is “far from over”, urging the public to come forward with any information. “This investigation is far from over,” he said. “I strongly urge anyone with any information at all, no matter how small you think it may be, to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers.”
The reopening of Mount Buffalo National Park is a welcome relief for local businesses, which have been impacted by the closure. Andrea Siede from Mount Buffalo Caravan Park said, “With [Melbourne] Cup weekend coming up, we’re really busy, and then we’ve got the Bright Rod Run the following weekend, so things are definitely starting to pick up.” However, the park’s reopening also brings a sense of unease, with police warning that Freeman is still at large.
Police have investigated over 1,700 pieces of intelligence, including tips from the public, and a reward of up to $1 million remains on offer for information leading to Freeman’s arrest.
Detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward, no matter how small it may seem.
“This could be sightings of Freeman, information you’re hearing in your local communities, even suspicious activity on your property — whatever it is, we want to hear from you,” Assistant Commissioner O’Brien said.
The search for Freeman has been ongoing for weeks, with police scouring the Mount Buffalo National Park and surrounding areas.
The new taskforce will continue to work tirelessly to bring Freeman to justice, and police are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.