Police Offer AU$1 Million Reward for Capture of Cop Killer

Police in Victoria, Australia, have announced a reward of up to AU$1 million (£500,000) for information that leads to the arrest of Dezi Bird Freeman, a suspect accused of fatally shooting two police officers in a violent incident on August 26, 2023. The ongoing manhunt for the 56-year-old Freeman, who has been evading capture for 12 days, has mobilized over 450 officers as authorities work to track his movements.

The tragic events unfolded in the small town of Porepunkah, located approximately 300 kilometers northeast of Melbourne. While executing a search warrant at a property, a group of ten officers was ambushed by Freeman, leading to the deaths of officers Neal Thompson, aged 59, and Vadim de Waart-Hottart, aged 35. Officer Thompson was reportedly only days away from retirement at the time of the shooting. A third officer sustained serious injuries in the attack.

Victoria Police described the incident as a “straight out execution,” prompting an extensive search throughout the bushland surrounding the town, particularly near the Rayner Track area, where Freeman is believed to have fled. In a significant statement, police confirmed that this reward represents the largest ever offered in the state for an arrest.

Freeman, who is known to have a history of legal troubles, is associated with the Sovereign Citizen Movement, a fringe group that rejects governmental authority and Australian laws. His previous encounters with law enforcement include arrests for various offenses and participation in anti-government protests. He has also made inflammatory comparisons of police to Nazi forces.

The search for Freeman has intensified, with police conducting over 100 raids on local residences and searching his property. There are reports suggesting that Freeman may have taken refuge in a cave or mineshaft during his evasion. In light of his armed status, authorities have established a no-fly zone around Porepunkah Airport to mitigate risks to aircraft and drones during the search effort.

In response to the community’s fears following the shooting, local schools were placed on lockdown, and public facilities in the Alpine Shire were closed immediately. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized the risks faced by police officers daily. “Our thoughts are with the police for the work they do, each and every day,” he stated.

As the manhunt continues, police are urging anyone with information regarding Freeman’s location to come forward, emphasizing the importance of a safe resolution to the situation. The community remains on high alert as they await further developments in this shocking case.