A massive manhunt is underway in Victoria’s remote alpine wilderness as police search for suspected cop killer Dezi Freeman, who allegedly gunned down two police officers “in cold blood” during a search warrant execution at his property on Tuesday morning.
Locals in Porepunkah believe Freeman, an experienced bushman, may be using old gold mining tunnels and caves in the area to evade detection.
Mark Bartolic, a long-time local, told authorities that Freeman knows the terrain around Mount Buffalo exceptionally well and could be exploiting its hidden bush networks to avoid capture.
Background on the Suspect and the Manhunt
The 56-year-old Freeman, who allegedly fled into the wilderness after the shooting, has been described as a very dangerous person by Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush.
Freeman’s knowledge of the area has made it challenging for police to track him down, despite deploying experts and local knowledge.
Sr. Constable Paul Hogan revealed that there had been no confirmed sighting of Freeman since Tuesday, and that multiple police units, including the Homicide Squad, Armed Crime Squad, Fugitive Squad, Special Operations Group, and Critical Incident Response team, have been deployed to the area to assist in the search.
Mr. Bartolic expressed concerns that Freeman could survive alone in the wilderness “for weeks,” given his experience as a bushman.
He believes that it may take an experienced policeman, tracker, or someone with similar expertise to find Freeman.
Freeman was last seen wearing dark green/khaki tracksuit pants, a dark green rain jacket, brown Blundstone boots, and reading glasses.
The search for Freeman continues, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
The fallen officers, 59-year-old Senior Constable Neal Thompson and 35-year-old Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, have been remembered as heroes who died in the line of duty.