Victoria police have conducted “firearms testing” near Barrett Lane and Rayner Track in Porepunkah, about 210km north-east of Melbourne, as part of the ongoing search for fugitive Desmond “Dezi” Freeman.
The testing was triggered by reports of a single gunshot heard in the vicinity at approximately 11.45am on 26 August, about an hour after Freeman allegedly opened fire on police. The shooting killed Detective Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, and wounded a third officer.
Police said the area has since been searched but no trace of Freeman was located. They are hopeful the firearms testing may assist in the search and are appealing for anyone who may have heard the gunshot to come forward.
There have been no confirmed sightings of Freeman since he fled into dense bushland, despite detectives investigating more than 1,700 tipoffs. The search has involved hundreds of officers and specialist resources, including interstate and international crews.
Victoria police have offered a $1m reward and the possibility of indemnity for information leading to Freeman’s capture, the largest reward in the state’s history for facilitating an arrest. Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant and not approach the fugitive, who is considered armed and dangerous.
