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The hunt for Dezi Freeman, or any trace of him, is intensifying as authorities launch a significant search operation on Monday, nearly two months after ending a previous extensive effort. The focus is on uncovering either the fugitive or his remains.
On August 26, officers Neal Thompson and Vadim de Waart-Hottart were tragically shot and killed while executing a warrant at Freeman’s house in the quaint Victorian town of Porepunkah. Following this harrowing incident, Freeman is believed to have escaped into the thick surrounding bushland. A third officer sustained injuries during the confrontation.
In the immediate aftermath of the shootings, a massive deployment of over 400 police personnel scoured the area but were unable to locate the 56-year-old suspect.
Detective Senior Constable Thompson, aged 59, was just days away from retirement at the time of his death. Meanwhile, Senior Constable de Waart-Hottart, 34, was temporarily assigned to the region.
Today marks the beginning of a renewed five-day search in Mount Buffalo National Park, which includes exploring isolated areas within the park. This location is situated approximately 300 kilometers northeast of Melbourne.
Police will begin a fresh five-day search of Mount Buffalo National Park today, including remote sites in the region, located about 300km northeast of Melbourne.
The renewed search will include more than 100 people, including police from the Search and Rescue Squad, Critical Incident Response Team, Dog Squad and Drone Units who will work alongside local police and Taskforce Summit investigators.
A NSW Police cadaver dog will also be used.
In December last year, police spent five days systematically searching an area just shy of a square kilometre in thick bush and heavy terrain conducting line searches and clearing caves.
This week’s search focuses on an area adjoining the location of that previous search.
Investigators in December revealed they had shifted their search efforts to locating the body of the self-described “sovereign citizen“, however a five-day effort to scour the bush with cadaver dogs and drones yielded nothing.
Detectives from Taskforce Summit, formed in October, have investigated thousands of pieces of intelligence, including numerous tip-offs from the public.
Detective Inspector Adam Tilley said locating Freeman remains the taskforce’s number one priority.
“There is no doubt that everyone involved wants an answer and I want to reaffirm that Victoria Police remains committed to doing everything we can to locate Desmond Freeman and get that answer.”
$1 million reward and possible indemnity
People in the area have been advised to remain vigilant and not approach the fugitive, who is considered armed and dangerous, in the event of a sighting.
Victoria Police have offered a $1 million reward and the possibility of indemnity for information leading to his capture — the largest reward in the state’s history for facilitating an arrest.
Detective Tilley said police believe information from the community will be crucial in resolving the matter, and urged people to come forward with any information.
“What we want most is to see this through to resolution and hopefully provide answers and some level of comfort to Neal and Vadim’s families, the other police impacted and the wider community.”
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