Home / Crime and Justice / Manhunt Continues for Alleged Cop Killer in Victoria's Wilderness
Manhunt Continues for Alleged Cop Killer in Victoria's Wilderness
30 Aug
Summary
- Dangerous fugitive accused of killing two police officers
- Hundreds of police searching remote Victorian high country
- Tough weather conditions impacting search efforts
As of August 30th, 2025, the hunt for a dangerous fugitive accused of killing two police officers in Victoria, Australia has been ongoing for six days. Dezi Freeman, the alleged gunman, is said to have fled into the bush on August 24th following a fatal confrontation at a property in Porepunkah, about 300km northeast of Melbourne.
Freeman is accused of killing Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35. More than 450 police officers have been deployed to the Porepunkah area as part of the extensive search, which has included examining disused mines, caves, and dugouts in the rural community.
Despite several reported sightings of Freeman, none have been confirmed by authorities. The search efforts have been hampered by blizzard-like conditions and heavy rain battering the region. A police forward command post was relocated on Saturday from Feathertop Winery to a government office in the town of Ovens, about 12km away, to better support the ongoing operational activity.
In a related development, a 61-year-old man was arrested at a property in Bright, about 6km from Porepunkah, on Friday. Guns and cannabis were seized from the home, and police are investigating whether the man is associated with the fugitive. Additionally, Freeman's 42-year-old wife and 15-year-old son were arrested on Thursday night, though it is unclear if charges will follow.
The search for Dezi Freeman, who is believed to be a sovereign citizen rejecting government authority, continues as authorities work to apprehend the dangerous suspect and bring an end to this ongoing manhunt.
