450 Officers Deployed, Alleged Police Killer May Be Using Tech to Evade Capture

Victoria Police have entered the third day of their search for 56-year-old Dezi Freeman, suspected of killing two officers in Victoria’s north-east on Aug. 26.

Freeman’s wife, Mali, 42, and their teenage son were arrested by police and questioned on the evening of Aug. 28

Both were later released without charges.

Chief Commissioner Mike Bush confirmed the arrests, describing them as part of the homicide investigation. He did not rule out further charges.

“There may or may not be charges that follow, but it would be very inappropriate for me to say anything else at this point,” he told reporters in a press conference on Aug. 29.

Armed, Dangerous and Using Technology

Bush warned that Freeman remains “armed and dangerous,” with none of his weapons recovered. The commissioner also said it was possible the fugitive was using phones or other devices to help him evade police.

“It’s quite possible that the suspect at large has access to technology, so it would be very unwise of me, on behalf of my investigation and search team, to share further information,” he said.

Police have received multiple reports of sightings, though none have been confirmed.

“If you think you see him, let us know. We’ll explore those,” Bush added.

Residents in Porepunkah and surrounding towns have been told to remain vigilant. Emergency services have issued an “avoid the area” warning for Porepunkah, while urging nearby communities such as Wangaratta, Mount Beauty and Nagambie to stay alert.

AFP and Interstate Support

Bush highlighted the scale of the response, saying more than 450 officers were now deployed. Victoria Police are now supported by Australian Federal Police, New South Wales Police and South Australia Police, who are either on site or ready to mobilise.

“Some are involved in search, some are involved in investigation, some are involved in supporting and many are involved in community reassurance,” Bush said.

He added that AFP specialists were providing intelligence and technical support, while NSW officers were coordinating efforts near the border in case Freeman attempted to flee interstate.

“This is a coordinated national effort. We are drawing on every available resource to bring this to a safe conclusion,” he said.

Ambulance Victoria and fire services are also part of the operation.

“I can assure the public that there is a very professional and coordinated operation in place,” Bush said.

Local Pubs to Reopen Under Guard

While police remain on high alert, authorities have allowed local pubs in Porepunkah to reopen. Bush said it was important that residents try to return to some sense of normality, but with safeguards in place.

“At the moment, we’re really conscious that people need to go about their lives. We support the opening, but we’ll be very much in the environment to make sure people are kept safe,” he said.

He urged patrons and locals to remain cautious.

“If you need to go about your business, go about your business, stay safe, be vigilant, and we are there to support you. But if you see anything suspicious, please ring triple zero.”

Addressing the community, Bush vowed police would not leave until Freeman is caught. He also appealed directly to the suspect.

“It really is time to lay down your firearms and give yourself up so that we can all bring this to a safe conclusion,” Bush said.

Honouring Fallen Officers

The deaths of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neil Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, along with serious injuries to a third officer, have deeply affected both the police force and the wider community.

Bush confirmed he had met with Thompson’s widow and De Waart’s family to offer support. Funeral arrangements are underway.

“We are not in a position yet to announce funeral arrangements, but those arrangements are progressing very well,” he said.

Premier Jacinta Allan joined Bush at Wangaratta Police Station, praising officers working through their grief.

“They are working through grief, and yet they’re still here keeping the community safe,” she said.

Earlier in the day Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking in Ballarat, described the killings as a “horrific incident.”

He confirmed federal support in the search.

“The Australian Federal Police is joining the search for the gunman. We need to find this perpetrator so people can be reassured he is not going to cause any more damage,” he said.