Specialist police have conducted dramatic firearms testing in Victoria's vast bushland, firing up to thirty controlled shots as they intensify the search for alleged double cop murderer Dezi Freeman.
Secret Operation in Pursuit of Fugitive
The covert operation, orchestrated by Taskforce Summit, took place last Wednesday near the Porepunkah property in Victoria's high country. This is the same location where Freeman allegedly shot dead two police officers on August 26th.
According to reports from The Age, officers discharged approximately thirty rounds from various weapons during the carefully controlled exercise. The purpose was to replicate a single gunshot heard by a witness roughly twenty minutes after the deadly ambush that claimed the lives of two officers.
New Lead in Ten-Week Manhunt
This previously undisclosed gunshot represents a potentially significant breakthrough in the investigation that has stretched over ten weeks. Police blocked multiple access points for more than four hours during the operation, employing sophisticated acoustic equipment to pinpoint the possible origin of the mysterious shot.
The alleged murders occurred when Freeman reportedly shot and killed Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, aged 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart, aged 35, before fleeing with their service revolvers.
Victoria Police confirmed the recent operation in an official statement: 'Police attended the Porepunkah area on November 5 to conduct firearms testing as part of the ongoing investigation into the fatal shooting of police and subsequent search for Desmond Freeman.'
Massive Search Efforts Continue
The spokesperson elaborated that testing occurred specifically in the vicinity of Barrett Lane and Rayner Track due to reports of a gunshot in that area around 11.45 am on August 26th. Despite thorough searches following the firearms testing, authorities confirmed no trace of Freeman was discovered.
The extensive manhunt has seen officers scouring bushland surrounding Freeman's wilderness retreat at the base of Mount Buffalo. Police have established Taskforce Summit, led by a Crime Command State Anti-Gangs Division detective inspector, comprising officers from Victoria Police's most elite units.
Investigators remain hopeful that the ballistic testing will provide fresh leads. 'Investigators are hopeful that the firearms testing may assist police with the ongoing search,' the police spokesperson added.
Authorities are particularly keen to speak with anyone who may have heard the gunshot in question, including members of the public who were in the area at the time.
Despite an unprecedented search operation involving heavily armed police and army personnel, Freeman has managed to evade capture for weeks. The investigation has generated over 1,700 pieces of intelligence, including numerous tips from the public.
Victoria Police Crime Command Assistant Commissioner Martin O'Brien previously emphasised the crucial role of public information: '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.'
A substantial $1 million reward for information leading to Freeman's arrest remains available, underscoring the determination of authorities to apprehend the fugitive and bring resolution to a case that has deeply affected the tight-knit Porepunkah community.
