UPDATE: Authorities urge the public to come forward with information on the whereabouts of a fugitive accused of killing two police officers in Australia. Nearly a week has passed since the alleged ambush murders, with investigators believing that locals in the area know where the suspect is hiding.
Superintendent Brett Kahan addressed the media on Monday, stating, “People know the whereabouts of the person who’s killed two cops. People have chosen, for whatever reason, not to come forward.” Kahan emphasized the urgency of the situation and appealed directly to the community for assistance in locating 56-year-old Gregory Freeman, who has been on the run since August 29 following the deadly incident at his property in Porepunkah, approximately 300 km northeast of Melbourne.
Freeman is accused of fatally shooting Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35, during a police operation. A police bus has been set up in Bright, just a 10-minute drive from Porepunkah, to facilitate communication between locals and law enforcement. Officers will be available at the bus every day, encouraging residents to share any information they may have.
As the investigation intensifies, more than 450 pieces of information have been submitted by the public. Superintendent Kahan noted that while they appreciate the tips, the urgency remains high for actionable intelligence to locate Freeman.
Freeman’s wife, Amalia, and their 15-year-old son were arrested last week at their home, but Kahan could not confirm whether charges would be brought against her. “If people such as the fugitive’s wife aren’t giving us full cooperation, I would encourage you to do so,” Kahan stated.
The emotional toll of the situation is palpable as funeral arrangements for the fallen officers are finalized. Senior Constable De Waart will be honored on September 8, followed by Detective Thompson’s funeral. Both services will take place at the Victoria Police Academy with full police honors, but they will not be open to the public.
In a moment of solidarity, Premier Jacinta Allan and Police Commissioner Mike Bush observed a minute’s silence in Melbourne to honor the slain officers. Allan took to social media, stating, “Chief – we stand with your colleagues and their families. So do the Victorian people.”
Compounding the situation, Deputy Premier Ben Carroll condemned protesters who displayed a photo of Freeman at an anti-immigration rally in Adelaide, calling it “the most distasteful thing” he had seen. “That person is not a free man – he’s a wanted man,” Carroll asserted.
Authorities have also arrested a 61-year-old man near Bright, who was allegedly found with weapons and cannabis. He faces charges for possessing an imitation firearm and a drug of dependence. Interestingly, he claimed not to know Freeman, despite being associated with an online group Freeman founded.
As the search continues, more than 400 police officers from Victoria and surrounding states are engaged in the operation, facing challenging weather conditions. Investigators remain determined to bring Freeman to justice, and the community’s cooperation is seen as crucial.
Stay tuned for further updates as this urgent situation develops. If you have any information, please contact local authorities immediately.
