A manhunt for suspected gunman Dezi Freeman has entered its ninth day in north-east Victoria, following the tragic deaths of two police officers. Former detective sergeant Graeme Simpfendorfer, who served with Victoria Police from 1994 to 2021, expressed his deep concern for the officers involved in the ongoing search. The manhunt was launched after Neal Thompson and Vadim De Waart were shot dead while on duty in Porepunkah last week.
Describing the situation as painful, Simpfendorfer stated that the grief felt by the police force and the community is profound. “Just so close to retirement, so close to that next part of his life, I really feel for his family and friends,” he remarked, reflecting on the loss of Thompson, with whom he had worked closely.
Many officers relocate to north-east Victoria seeking a quieter lifestyle after serving in metropolitan areas, but the nature of police work remains hazardous. The recent events have underscored the sacrifices made by officers daily, according to Simpfendorfer. He noted, “These type of incidents or … warrants are done across the country daily, in their hundreds, and nothing goes wrong.”
Search Efforts and Community Support
As the search for Freeman continues, police have reported receiving over 450 pieces of information since the manhunt began. Superintendent Brett Kahan emphasized the remarkable volume of tips received following the establishment of a mobile unit in Bright on Monday. “Instead of decreasing our commitment to this, we’re increasing, and we’ll continue to throw the full arm of Victoria Police towards the search for this armed fugitive,” he stated.
Kahan also mentioned that offering a reward for information related to Freeman is “an avenue that we will explore.” Local tributes have been placed at police stations across the region, demonstrating community solidarity during this challenging time.
According to Vincent Hurley, a criminologist and former police detective at Macquarie University, the length of the manhunt is not unexpected. He indicated that a search lasting up to three months is reasonable given the circumstances. “They know who they’re looking for straight away in the general geographic area, so [they] would have been pretty quick to set up as best as they could,” Hurley explained.
Police Strategy and Challenges
Freeman is believed to be hiding in dense bushland, which presents unique challenges for the search teams. Hurley pointed out that the cold weather and challenging terrain could work to the police’s advantage, as Freeman is alone in the wilderness. The sheer number of police officers on the ground, who rotate continuously between shifts, enhances their capability to locate Freeman.
“The local police would also have an idea of the local area as well, so … I certainly hope it’s not insurmountable as what at first appears,” Hurley added. He noted that police would be equipped with firearms equivalent to the calibres of Freeman’s weapons to ensure their safety and effectiveness during the operation.
As the search continues, the community remains on high alert, with local police urging anyone with information about Freeman’s whereabouts to come forward. The ongoing efforts highlight the dedication of law enforcement in the face of adversity, as they navigate the complexities of this high-stakes situation.
