Australian authorities are continuing their extensive search for a heavily armed individual suspected of fatally shooting two police officers in a remote town. The incident occurred on Tuesday when ten police officers were targeted while attempting to serve a warrant related to alleged sexual offenses at a property in Porepunkah, located approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) northeast of Melbourne.
As of now, almost 24 hours after the incident, the suspect identified as Dezi Freeman, a 56-year-old local, remains at large. Law enforcement has mobilized officers, helicopters, and armored vehicles to the area and has advised residents to stay indoors until Freeman is apprehended.
Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, Mike Bush, stated that all available resources are being utilized in the search efforts. He urged the public to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety.
Additionally, Bush confirmed that the two officers were “murdered in cold blood.” One was a 59-year-old detective, while the other was a 35-year-old senior constable. Their names have not been disclosed until family members can be notified. A third officer injured in the shooting has undergone surgery and, although “significantly damaged,” is expected to make a recovery.
Regarding previous reports that Freeman had taken his family hostage, Bush clarified that police have spoken to Freeman’s partner and children, confirming their safety. No sightings of Freeman have been reported since he fled the scene, and the search is now focused on a “dense bush area” near his home. Considering Freeman’s knowledge of the terrain, authorities are employing experts with local knowledge to aid in the pursuit.
Located in the Australian Alps and surrounded by heavily wooded hills, Porepunkah is just an hour’s drive from the New South Wales border. Bush mentioned that the search area is “very, very wide” and includes the possibility of Freeman having left the state. However, there is currently no information to suggest he has done so.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g6wlxd5kko?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
