Massive manhunt intensifies for Porepunkah shooting suspect as police arrest wife and teenager

The search for accused cop killer Dezi Freeman has entered its fourth day, with more than 450 police officers now deployed in Victoria’s high country as authorities work to capture the 56-year-old fugitive believed to be hiding in the rugged bushland at the foot of Mount Buffalo. Freeman, also known as Desmond Filby, is accused of fatally shooting Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35, during a confrontation at a Porepunkah property on Tuesday morning. A third officer was shot in the leg and remains in hospital after undergoing surgery.

The search for accused cop killer Dezi Freeman has entered its fourth day, with more than 450 police officers now deployed in Victoria’s high country as authorities work to capture the 56-year-old fugitive believed to be hiding in the rugged bushland at the foot of Mount Buffalo. Freeman, also known as Desmond Filby, is accused of fatally shooting Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35, during a confrontation at a Porepunkah property on Tuesday morning. A third officer was shot in the leg and remains in hospital after undergoing surgery. 9News reports that overnight, police arrested Freeman’s wife, Mali Freeman, 42, and a 15-year-old boy at a property in Porepunkah. At least 12 police vehicles surrounded the home before officers used a loudspeaker to order those inside to come out with their hands visible. Witnesses reported seeing heavily armed officers surround the property before leading out about 10 people, including a woman carrying a baby. Mali Freeman and the teenager were taken into custody, interviewed in relation to the homicide investigation, and later released without charge pending further inquiries. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said: “There may or may not be charges that follow, but it would be very inappropriate for me to say anything else at this point.” Police have warned that Freeman may have access to technology to help him evade capture, and for that reason, details of the search area are being kept confidential. “It’s quite possible that the suspect at large has access to technology,” Bush said. “It would be unwise for me, on behalf of my investigation and search team, to share further information.” Authorities confirmed Freeman’s firearms licence had previously been revoked, though investigators are probing whether he may still have unlawful access to weapons. “Of course that forms an offence, which also relates to the search warrants last night, in relation to how someone can be unlawfully in possession of firearms,” Bush noted. Despite a massive deployment of resources, there have been no confirmed sightings of Freeman since the deadly attack. Officers believe he remains in the Porepunkah area, though the difficult terrain; dense bushland, caves, and old mine shafts, has complicated the search. Severe thunderstorms forecast for Victoria’s north-east are also expected to hinder the operation. Victoria’s deputy commissioner of regional operations, Russell Barrett, acknowledged the challenges: “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.” The scale of the manhunt has grown into one of the largest in Victoria Police history, involving officers from New South Wales, South Australia, the ACT, and the Australian Federal Police’s elite tactical unit. Ambulance Victoria, the CFA, and other emergency services are also providing support.

More than 450 police officers from Victoria, NSW, SA, the ACT and AFP are now involved in the "very professional and coordinated operation" to apprehend Freeman. (Joe Armao/9News)

Bush said police would not relent until Freeman was apprehended. “We are not leaving here until this person is in custody,” he declared. “If that person is listening, it really is time to lay down your firearms and give yourself up so that we can all bring this to a safe conclusion, and this community can get back to what they love to do.” As the manhunt continues, tributes are pouring in for the fallen officers. A vigil was held in Wangaratta, where Neal Thompson had been stationed before his death. Thompson, who was just two weeks away from retirement, is being remembered as a dedicated officer and family man. Funeral arrangements for both slain officers are now being organised, with Victoria Police and state officials providing direct support to their families. Bush said he had met personally with Thompson’s wife, Lisa, and spoken to De Waart’s relatives. “In the last few days we have met with Neil’s wife to give her every support,” he said. “I’ve also spoken to Vadim’s aunty, who lives in Melbourne, to offer them every support.” Meanwhile, Premier Jacinta Allan and Police Minister Anthony Carbines joined mourners at Wangaratta Police Station, where flowers and messages of condolence continue to grow. Buildings across Melbourne and regional Victoria are being lit in blue in memory of the slain officers. “This guy clearly is dangerous. He’s on the run and we want him caught,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday. “We want people who are traumatised in that north-east community of Victoria to feel safe again.” As darkness fell over Porepunkah, the search showed no signs of slowing, with police vowing to remain in the region until Freeman is found.