UPDATE: Victoria Police have just lifted the travel warning for the Porepunkah area as the urgent manhunt for alleged cop killer Dezi Freeman continues. Acting Deputy Commissioner Russell Barrett announced this significant development on Sunday morning, stating that the change in travel advice aims to “allow the community to return to a state of normality.”
Earlier, police had warned the public to avoid Porepunkah due to the ongoing search for Freeman, also known as Desmond Filby. The suspect is linked to the tragic shooting deaths of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart on August 26 at a property near the small Victorian town. A third officer was also wounded during the incident.
Deputy Commissioner Barrett emphasized that despite lifting the travel warning, police efforts remain concentrated on the Porepunkah area. “We are still focused on capturing Mr. Freeman,” he stated, as hundreds of specialist officers scour the rugged terrain in search of the fugitive.
Freeman fled into dense bushland on foot after the violent encounter, prompting a large-scale operation that has involved navigating treacherous landscapes, including caves and rivers. “It’s an extensive area, really difficult terrain,” Barrett explained. The police have offered a $1 million reward for any information leading to Freeman’s capture, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
In early September, Superintendent Brett Kahan hinted that “people know” where the fugitive might be hiding. As the search continues, Deputy Commissioner Barrett revealed, “We are open to all options regarding Mr. Freeman’s whereabouts. He may be in the area, he may be harboured, he may be dead.”
This developing situation has created heightened anxiety within the local community while also drawing national attention. The police’s determination to secure justice for the fallen officers and restore safety is paramount as the manhunt presses on.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent situation as authorities work tirelessly to locate Dezi Freeman.
