Victoria Police have launched a significant new search operation to locate fugitive Dezi Freeman, nearly two months after their previous efforts were concluded. This intensive five-day mission will involve more than 100 police officers and volunteers, alongside a specialised cadaver dog from New South Wales police, scouring the rugged terrain of Mount Buffalo National Park.
Intelligence-Driven Operation
The renewed search is based on critical intelligence derived from information about a gunshot reportedly heard shortly after the fatal incident at Freeman's property. Detective Inspector Adam Tilley, leading the taskforce, emphasised that locating Freeman remains the top priority, with extensive and systematic searches conducted over the past five months underscoring this commitment.
Background of the Case
Freeman has been at large since late August, when he allegedly shot and killed police officers Neal Thompson and Vadim de Waart-Hottart as they served a warrant at his home in Porepunkah. Senior Constable Thompson was just a week away from retirement, while Senior Constable De Waart-Hottart was on temporary assignment to the area.
In the immediate aftermath, over 400 police were deployed but failed to uncover any trace of the 56-year-old, who was last seen fleeing into dense bushland. The current search focuses on an area about 300 kilometres north of Melbourne, near a similar operation conducted in December that encompassed thick bush and challenging terrain.
Search Strategies and Possibilities
Police have conducted a range of firearms tests in the vicinity as part of their inquiries, which informed both the December search and this new effort. While a NSW police cadaver dog will be utilised, authorities are not assuming Freeman is deceased. Detective Inspector Tilley outlined three possibilities: Freeman may be dead, being harboured by someone, or surviving alone outside the area.
"At this time there is no intelligence to move us away from these possibilities or to make any one the more likely scenario, so we have to keep an open mind," Tilley stated, reaffirming the police's dedication to finding Desmond Freeman.
Previous Efforts and Public Vigilance
The December search shifted focus to finding Freeman's body, involving cadaver dogs, drones, foot teams conducting line searches, and cave clearings, but yielded no results. Taskforce Summit, formed in October, has investigated thousands of intelligence pieces, including numerous public tip-offs.
Authorities have advised residents in the area to remain vigilant and not approach Freeman, who is considered armed and dangerous. Victoria Police have offered a $1 million reward and potential indemnity for information leading to his capture, marking the largest such reward in the state's history for facilitating an arrest.
