Porepunkah Manhunt Enters Fourth Day Following Fatal Shooting of Police Officers

Porepunkah Manhunt Enters Fourth Day Following Fatal Shooting of Police Officers

Police are still looking for Dezi Freeman, the man charged with shooting dead two constables in Porepunkah on Tuesday. The multi-state manhunt for him remains active. The tragic incident, which left a third officer injured, has prompted an extensive investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Freeman, who the FBI has reported as a “sovereign citizen,” knows the local rural landscape, adding to the search’s difficulty and in turn danger for police.

Freeman is accused of shooting dead Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35, in an armed confrontation. He disappeared into the thick bushland around Mt Buffalo. For more than two decades he resided on an idyllic estate near Porepunkah in this beautiful valley. It’s on that trip that new local resident quickly became acquainted with them. His deep familiarity with the area and advanced bushcraft skills create questions as to how badly law enforcement will be able to find him.

Police are assuring the public that they’re utilizing all of their resources in the effort to find Freeman. Russell Barrett, the Deputy Commissioner of Regional Operations for Victoria Police, told the ABC how serious things had become. He added that it represents arguably the toughest challenge the entire force has ever faced. He acknowledged that the terrain is difficult and extremely hazardous, even for specialized assets.

“It’s complex terrain, and it’s not something that we, even with our specialist resources, can move through quickly, because it is dangerous terrain as well.” – Russell Barrett, Victoria police deputy commissioner of regional operations

As the search continues, police think Freeman could still be in Pasco County. The investigation team believes in their theory that he has not gone too far from where the shooting took place. Local residents were vocal about their disappointment with the proposal and one person featured in the video pointed out Freeman’s close connection to the area.

“Look around, this is his back yard. And he knows it better than the cops know their own back yards.” – Glen, local man

Freeman’s wife is urging the police to help with their investigation, as ATL reported. To date, the government has provided no public information about her testimony or involvement in the case.

Our local businesses have really been impacted by all that’s been going on. As one cafe owner put it, you do what you have to do to keep the employees and customers safe during the heightened tension.

“We’ve got to pay rent. People’s got to eat, have a warm place to go. We made sure our staff were comfortable.” – Local cafe owner

At a press conference at the Wangaratta police station, police specifically called out Freeman and insisted that she hear their message. Deputy Commissioner Barrett emphasized that they will not rest until he is apprehended and reiterated their commitment to public safety.

“If Dezi Freeman is watching this, ring triple zero, and we will support a surrender plan – that option is absolutely open to him.” – Brett Kahan, local superintendent

The continuing police manhunt has sparked a media circus and community outrage. Residents are still living with fear and uncertainty as they wait for an end to this horrible streak of assaults. The police want to protect the public and keep people safe. They are doing the best they can to track down Freeman and get some closure for the families of those slain officers.

Tags