A clandestine network of armed vigilantes, calling themselves the 'Bush Posse', has been conducting its own dangerous manhunt for accused cop killer Dezi Freeman in the North Carolina wilderness, directly contradicting explicit pleas from law enforcement.
Defying Official Warnings
Despite urgent warnings from the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office urging the public not to approach the "heavily armed lunatic," the group has taken matters into its own hands. The posse is utilising drones, all-terrain vehicles, and intimate knowledge of the local terrain to track the fugitive.
The Target: A 'Heavily Armed Lunatic'
Dezi Freeman, 27, is the prime suspect in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old police officer Tyler Herndon during a response to a break-in at a car wash in Millersville. Authorities have described Freeman as extremely dangerous and likely armed with an assault-style rifle.
The Vigilante Operation Uncovered
Details of the Bush Posse's scheme emerged after a member publicly appealed for more volunteers on social media. The post outlined a coordinated search strategy, stating, "We have a posse in the bush trying to run this guy down... We could use some more eyes. He is on the run. We have drones and 4x4's. We will be searching creeks and ridges."
This reckless call to action directly undermines the official manhunt, raising serious concerns about potential accidental firefights, crime scene contamination, and further violence.
A Community on Edge
The situation has left the local community gripped with fear. Freeman is accused of a brazen attack on law enforcement, and the presence of armed vigilantes only heightens the tension and potential for a tragic mishap in the ongoing search operation.
