Family Files Lawsuit Against Victoria Police Over Arrest During Fugitive Manhunt
The family of a man who was arrested at gunpoint and restrained with zip ties during the extensive search for missing fugitive Dezi Freeman has initiated legal proceedings against Victoria Police. The incident occurred as part of a massive manhunt that spanned several months, following Freeman's violent escape from authorities.
The Fugitive Chase and Initial Incident
Dezi Freeman, a self-proclaimed sovereign citizen, fled from police on August 26 after ten officers arrived at his compound in Porepunkah, located approximately 300 kilometres northeast of Melbourne, to execute a search warrant. During the confrontation, Freeman allegedly shot two officers: Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart and Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson. He then stole their weapons and escaped into the surrounding bushland, triggering an intensive search operation.
The Arrest of Jeremy Sloan
According to reports from The Herald Sun, the Sloan family has submitted a statement of claim in the Supreme Court of Victoria after their property was raided during the manhunt for Freeman. Jeremy Sloan, aged 32, and his partner Sarah Naylor stated that they were forced off the road by an unmarked police car about 25 kilometres from Shepparton on October 1, 2025.
Mr Sloan recounted that he was ordered to exit his vehicle and lie facedown on the ground, where his arms were restrained with zip ties. He was informed that he was under arrest for harbouring a fugitive. Subsequently, he was taken to his parents' home under police guard, where he encountered a significant police presence including up to 30 police cars, ambulances, and a helicopter.
Family Detention and Property Search
During the operation, Jeremy Sloan's 63-year-old father, Bryan, was also detained while officers conducted a thorough search of the family property for Freeman. Despite the extensive police action, Jeremy Sloan, Bryan Sloan, and Sarah Naylor—the three plaintiffs in the case—were later cleared of any connection to Freeman. Mr Sloan emphasised that he has no criminal record and no ties to Freeman or the sovereign citizen movement.
Legal Action and Compensation Claims
The family is seeking compensation from Victoria Police for psychological harm resulting from the officers' actions. In a statement to The Age, Mr Sloan expressed the profound impact on his family, noting that his mother is a serving member of Victoria Police. He said, 'Mum is a serving member of Victoria Police, and this has not only affected her personally, but has made it extremely challenging for her to continue in an organisation she has always respected and stood by.'
He added, 'We are seeking accountability, so that no one else has to endure what we have experienced. In that instant, I felt exposed in a way that is difficult to put into words, as though my sense of safety had been stripped away.'
Legal Representation and Police Response
Jeremy King, principal solicitor at Robinson Gill, who is representing the family, described the incident as 'one of the strangest police operations' he had witnessed in a long time. He told The Age, 'This family still have no idea why they were arrested and why their property was raided. Given the scale and cost involved, you would think the police should have a clear justification for the operation, yet we're still in the dark.'
The writ was officially filed at the Supreme Court of Victoria on Thursday. In response, Victoria Police informed the Daily Mail that it has 'not received a writ in relation to the matter', indicating a potential discrepancy in the legal process or communication.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about police conduct during high-stakes operations and the legal recourse available to individuals affected by such actions. The outcome of the lawsuit could set a precedent for future claims against law enforcement agencies in similar circumstances.
