Victoria Police Launch New Search for Fugitive Dezi Freeman Based on Gunshot Intelligence
A massive search operation is underway in Mount Buffalo National Park, 300km north of Melbourne, as Victoria police launch a new hunt for fugitive Dezi Freeman. The search, which will last five days, follows intelligence gathered from information related to a gunshot heard shortly after the fatal incident at Freeman's property in August.
The breakthrough came weeks after two police officers, Det Sen Const Neal Thompson and Sen Const Vadim de Waart-Hottart, were shot dead as they served a warrant at Freeman's Rayner Track property. The 56-year-old has been on the run ever since, with detectives from Taskforce Summit scouring the alpine region in search of any sign of him.
Despite an extensive search effort last December, which involved over 400 police and volunteers, no trace of Freeman was found. This new search will focus on a similar area, with a team of more than 100 police officers and volunteers combing through thick bushland and heavy terrain.
Police have revealed that detectives have conducted firearms tests in the vicinity, which led to the renewed search effort. A NSW police cadaver dog will also be deployed as part of the operation, although it's unclear if Freeman is still alive or has been killed.
Detective Inspector Adam Tilley has reaffirmed that finding Freeman remains the top priority for Victoria police. The three possibilities – Freeman being dead, harbored, or having escaped alone and survived – remain open options, despite no concrete evidence pointing to one scenario over the others.
The new search comes with a hefty reward of $1 million for information leading to Freeman's capture, making it the largest in Victoria's history. Residents in the area have been warned not to approach the fugitive if spotted, as he is considered armed and dangerous.
As the investigation continues, detectives are urging the public to remain vigilant and come forward with any tips or information that may aid in Freeman's capture.
A massive search operation is underway in Mount Buffalo National Park, 300km north of Melbourne, as Victoria police launch a new hunt for fugitive Dezi Freeman. The search, which will last five days, follows intelligence gathered from information related to a gunshot heard shortly after the fatal incident at Freeman's property in August.
The breakthrough came weeks after two police officers, Det Sen Const Neal Thompson and Sen Const Vadim de Waart-Hottart, were shot dead as they served a warrant at Freeman's Rayner Track property. The 56-year-old has been on the run ever since, with detectives from Taskforce Summit scouring the alpine region in search of any sign of him.
Despite an extensive search effort last December, which involved over 400 police and volunteers, no trace of Freeman was found. This new search will focus on a similar area, with a team of more than 100 police officers and volunteers combing through thick bushland and heavy terrain.
Police have revealed that detectives have conducted firearms tests in the vicinity, which led to the renewed search effort. A NSW police cadaver dog will also be deployed as part of the operation, although it's unclear if Freeman is still alive or has been killed.
Detective Inspector Adam Tilley has reaffirmed that finding Freeman remains the top priority for Victoria police. The three possibilities – Freeman being dead, harbored, or having escaped alone and survived – remain open options, despite no concrete evidence pointing to one scenario over the others.
The new search comes with a hefty reward of $1 million for information leading to Freeman's capture, making it the largest in Victoria's history. Residents in the area have been warned not to approach the fugitive if spotted, as he is considered armed and dangerous.
As the investigation continues, detectives are urging the public to remain vigilant and come forward with any tips or information that may aid in Freeman's capture.
This guy Dezi Freeman is still out there 
! 400 police and volunteers last December couldn't find him 
. Now they're sending in a NSW dog to sniff him out 
. It's gonna be a tough search, all that bushland is massive 
. Still hoping he gets caught alive 
. $1 million for info leading to his capture? 
That's some serious cash! 
.
. And $1 million is a BIG reward, but has anyone thought about what would happen if they find him and it's all over? 
, but 5 days is a pretty short timeline if he's really been hiding out in the bush 
It feels like we're more focused on making headlines than actually finding this guy 
. And what's with the cadaver dog? Does anyone know if that thing is reliable? 
️ Just want to see some progress, you know?