An intensive and desperate manhunt is continuing across Victoria's rugged alpine wilderness for a man accused of murdering a police officer after a traffic stop turned deadly. The alleged shooter, identified as Reece Radford, has seemingly vanished into the vast and treacherous bushland surrounding the small town of Porepunkah.
The grim sequence of events began on Wednesday when two officers from the Victoria Police conducted a routine traffic stop. The situation escalated catastrophically, resulting in one officer being shot and killed at the scene. The second officer, though physically unharmed, was left traumatised by the attack.
The alleged perpetrator, Reece Radford, immediately fled into the nearby terrain, a region known for its dense forests, steep ravines, and challenging conditions. This triggered one of the largest police operations in recent state history.
A Massive Search Operation Underway
Victoria Police have launched a colossal search effort, deploying immense resources to track down the fugitive. The operation includes:
- Heavily armed Special Operations Group officers conducting ground searches.
- Police Air Wing helicopters equipped with advanced thermal imaging technology scanning the area from above.
- Local roadblocks and checkpoints on all major routes in and out of the region.
- Public warnings urging residents in Porepunkah, Bright, and surrounding areas to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Despite this overwhelming response, the search has been hampered by the region's notoriously difficult landscape. The alpine environment, with its thick undergrowth and complex network of tracks, provides countless places for a person to hide.
A Community on High Alert
The quiet communities of the Victorian High Country have been placed on high alert. Residents have been advised to lock their doors, secure their properties, and avoid approaching the wanted man, who is considered armed and extremely dangerous.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the state and the nation, highlighting the immense risks police officers face every day. Tributes are already flowing for the slain officer, whose identity has not yet been formally released pending family notifications.
As night falls over the mountains, the massive police operation presses on, determined to bring the alleged killer to justice.
