A massive police manhunt is underway across Victoria for 32-year-old Dezi Freeman, the prime suspect in the alleged murder of a police officer. The search intensified following an armed raid on a property in the quiet town of Porepunkah, near Bright, which failed to locate the wanted man.
The alarm was raised after police attended a welfare check at a remote property in the area. Upon arrival, officers were met with a violent confrontation, resulting in the tragic death of one policeman. Freeman, known to police, is now the subject of a statewide search and is considered armed and extremely dangerous.
Armed Raids and Community Alert
Heavily armed Special Operations Group officers descended on a Porepunkah property connected to Freeman early Thursday. The property was surrounded and searched, but Freeman was not located. The raid was part of a coordinated effort involving local police, air support, and detectives.
Authorities have issued a stern warning to the public, urging them not to approach Freeman if seen. Instead, they are instructed to immediately triple-zero (000). A broader community safety message has been disseminated, advising residents in the Alpine region to remain vigilant and secure their properties.
Who is Dezi Freeman?
Freeman is described as Caucasian, approximately 175cm tall, with a solid build, brown hair, and brown eyes. Police have released his image in a bid to garner public assistance. The specific circumstances of the initial incident and the motive remain under investigation by homicide detectives.
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the local community and the wider Victoria Police force, which is mourning the loss of a colleague. The investigation continues as police follow up on all possible leads to apprehend the suspect.
