Major New Search Operation Launched for Fugitive Dezi Freeman in Victoria
A significant new search operation has been initiated by Victoria police to locate fugitive Dezi Freeman, or his remains, nearly two months after the previous extensive efforts were concluded. This targeted five-day mission will involve more than 100 police officers and volunteers, alongside a specialised NSW police cadaver dog, focusing on the Mount Buffalo national park area.
Intelligence-Driven Search Based on Gunshot Evidence
The decision to launch this renewed search stems from critical intelligence derived from information police obtained regarding a gunshot heard shortly after the fatal incident at Freeman's property. In late August, Freeman allegedly shot and killed two police officers, Neal Thompson and Vadim de Waart-Hottart, as they served a warrant at his home in Porepunkah, a small Victorian town. Following the killings, over 400 police were deployed, but no trace of the 56-year-old was found, with him last seen fleeing into dense bushland.
Detective Inspector Adam Tilley, leading the taskforce, emphasised the commitment to locating Freeman, stating, "It remains our number one priority to locate Freeman and the extensive and systematic searches conducted over the past five months are testament to this." He outlined three possibilities: Freeman could be dead, being harboured, or surviving alone outside the area, with no current intelligence favouring any one scenario.
Search Details and Historical Context
The search will concentrate on a region of Mount Buffalo national park, approximately 300km north of Melbourne, near a similar search conducted in December. That earlier effort, which involved cadaver dogs and drones, aimed to find Freeman's body but yielded no results. Police have conducted firearms tests in the vicinity as part of ongoing inquiries, contributing to both the December and current searches.
While there is no indication that Freeman is being aided by a specific person, police acknowledge this remains a possibility. The use of a cadaver dog does not assume Freeman is dead, as authorities are keeping all options open. The community has been advised to remain vigilant and not approach Freeman, who is considered armed and dangerous.
Background on the Case and Reward Offer
The victims of the August shooting were Detective Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, who was a week from retirement, and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, 34, on temporary assignment. In response, Victoria police have offered a $1 million reward and potential indemnity for information leading to Freeman's capture, marking the largest such reward in the state's history for facilitating an arrest.
Taskforce Summit, formed in October, has investigated thousands of intelligence pieces, including public tip-offs. This new search underscores the ongoing efforts to resolve this high-profile case and bring closure to the affected families and community.
