Manhunt Intensifies for Armed Suspect After Fatal Police Shooting in Victoria
Published 26 August 2025
Highlights
- Two police officers were killed and another injured in a shooting in Porepunkah, Victoria, during a warrant execution.
- The suspect, Dezi Freeman, a 56-year-old "sovereign citizen," remains at large and is believed to be heavily armed.
- Victoria Police have deployed extensive resources, including helicopters and armored vehicles, to locate Freeman.
- The local community has been advised to stay indoors as the manhunt continues in the dense bushland.
- The incident has reignited discussions on handling extremist views and the risks faced by police officers.
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Rewritten Article
Manhunt Intensifies for Armed Suspect After Fatal Police Shooting in Victoria
A massive manhunt is underway in the rural town of Porepunkah, Victoria, following the fatal shooting of two police officers and the injury of another. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning when a team of ten officers arrived at a property to execute a search warrant related to alleged sexual offences. The suspect, identified as 56-year-old Dezi Freeman, opened fire on the officers before fleeing into the surrounding bushland.
Tragic Loss in the Line of Duty
The officers killed in the ambush have been named as Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35. Thompson, a seasoned officer nearing retirement, had served with Victoria Police since 1987, while De Waart had joined the force in 2018 and was on temporary assignment in the region. Both officers were remembered for their dedication and adventurous spirits.
Community on High Alert
Freeman, described as a "sovereign citizen" with a history of anti-government beliefs, is considered heavily armed and dangerous. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush has urged residents to remain indoors as authorities deploy every available resource to capture the fugitive. The search area, characterized by dense bushland, poses significant challenges, with Freeman believed to have extensive knowledge of the terrain.
National Response and Reflection
The incident has drawn national attention, with tributes pouring in from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, who praised the bravery of the fallen officers. The tragedy has also sparked renewed discussions on the risks faced by police and the handling of individuals with extremist views, reminiscent of a similar ambush in Queensland in 2022.
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Scenario Analysis
As the manhunt continues, authorities face the dual challenge of capturing Freeman while ensuring the safety of the Porepunkah community. The incident may prompt a review of police procedures, particularly in handling high-risk warrants involving individuals with known extremist beliefs. Experts suggest that increased training and resources for dealing with such threats could be vital in preventing future tragedies. The outcome of this search could also influence broader discussions on the "sovereign citizen" movement and its implications for law enforcement in Australia.
A massive manhunt is underway in the rural town of Porepunkah, Victoria, following the fatal shooting of two police officers and the injury of another. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning when a team of ten officers arrived at a property to execute a search warrant related to alleged sexual offences. The suspect, identified as 56-year-old Dezi Freeman, opened fire on the officers before fleeing into the surrounding bushland.
Tragic Loss in the Line of Duty
The officers killed in the ambush have been named as Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35. Thompson, a seasoned officer nearing retirement, had served with Victoria Police since 1987, while De Waart had joined the force in 2018 and was on temporary assignment in the region. Both officers were remembered for their dedication and adventurous spirits.
Community on High Alert
Freeman, described as a "sovereign citizen" with a history of anti-government beliefs, is considered heavily armed and dangerous. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush has urged residents to remain indoors as authorities deploy every available resource to capture the fugitive. The search area, characterized by dense bushland, poses significant challenges, with Freeman believed to have extensive knowledge of the terrain.
National Response and Reflection
The incident has drawn national attention, with tributes pouring in from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, who praised the bravery of the fallen officers. The tragedy has also sparked renewed discussions on the risks faced by police and the handling of individuals with extremist views, reminiscent of a similar ambush in Queensland in 2022.
What this might mean
As the manhunt continues, authorities face the dual challenge of capturing Freeman while ensuring the safety of the Porepunkah community. The incident may prompt a review of police procedures, particularly in handling high-risk warrants involving individuals with known extremist beliefs. Experts suggest that increased training and resources for dealing with such threats could be vital in preventing future tragedies. The outcome of this search could also influence broader discussions on the "sovereign citizen" movement and its implications for law enforcement in Australia.
