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A dedicated taskforce has been assigned to continue the hunt for Dezi Freeman, an alleged cop killer, as authorities reopen the national park where he was suspected to have taken refuge.
Hundreds of Victoria Police officers have been involved in comprehensive searches of Mount Buffalo National Park, Porepunkah, and nearby regions, acting on over 1700 intelligence tips.
With Mount Buffalo National Park welcoming visitors again today, officials urge anyone who spots Freeman to immediately call emergency services and refrain from approaching him.
Taskforce Summit is now officially spearheading the ongoing search efforts.
This taskforce, led by a detective inspector from the state’s Anti-Gangs Division, comprises experts from the Fugitive Squad, Armed Crime Squad, VIPER Taskforce, Special Operations Group, Search and Rescue Squad, and local Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems team members.
The homicide squad will continue investigating the murders of Thompson and De Waart-Hottart.
Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien said the investigation was “far from over” but relied on assistance from the public.
“I strongly urge anyone with any information at all, no matter how small you think it may be, to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers,” O’Brien said.
“This could be sightings of Freeman, information you’re hearing in your local communities, even suspicious activity on your property – whatever it is, we want to hear from you. As always, this can be done anonymously.
“It has been an extremely challenging investigation but are we incredibly determined to see this to resolution.”
A reward of up to $1 million remains for information leading to Freeman’s arrest.