Dezi Freeman’s Wife Urges Husband to Surrender as Police Search Enters Sixth Day
In a statement released through her lawyer, Amalia Freeman, the wife of alleged gunman Dezi Freeman, has appealed to her husband to surrender to police, expressing her deep sorrow for the loss of two police officers’ lives in a shooting incident last week in regional Victoria.
The search for Dezi Freeman, a self-described sovereign citizen, entered its sixth day on Saturday, with around 450 police officers from Victoria, New South Wales, the ACT, and South Australia involved in the operation.
Background of the Incident
On Tuesday, police allege Dezi Freeman opened fire on 10 police officers at his property on Rayner Track in Porepunkah, killing two detectives and injuring a third.
Freeman, 56, is believed to have fled with a homemade shotgun and other firearms.
Plea for Safe Conclusion
In her statement, Amalia Freeman extended her condolences to the families of the slain police officers, Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart.
She emphasized that she and her children respect the work of Victoria Police and do not hold anti-authority views.
“We echo the requests of the Victoria Police for the swift and safe conclusion of this tragedy,” she said, urging anyone harbouring or helping her husband to contact police.
“Please Dezi, if you see or hear this, call 000 and arrange a surrender plan with the police.”
Arrests and Charges
On Saturday, police arrested a 61-year-old man in Bright, just outside Porepunkah, and charged him with weapons and drug offences.
However, police have not revealed whether the man is linked to Dezi Freeman.
Amalia Freeman and her 15-year-old son were arrested and interviewed during a raid at a Porepunkah home on Thursday night but were later released.
Search Operation
The search for Dezi Freeman continues in dense, rocky bushland around Porepunkah, including on the slopes of Mount Buffalo.
Aerial resources have been based out of a winery since Tuesday.
Police have moved their search headquarters from the winery to a government facility in Ovens, about 10 kilometres away.
Locals have been advised to remain vigilant, and travel in the area is restricted to essential activities only.
Despite the messaging, the town of Bright was busy on Saturday with skiers and snowboarders heading to Mount Hotham and Falls Creek.
Impact on Local Businesses
Businesses in Porepunkah have re-opened, but the streets remain quiet.
Café owner Jacob Hanna has appealed for state government support to help businesses that have lost income, expressing concerns about sustaining their operations without customers.