Massive Manhunt Underway for Armed Suspect in Victoria Shooting

Sat Sep 13 2025 12:37:46 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A major police operation is in effect in Victoria as authorities search for 56-year-old Dezi Freeman, the suspect in a shooting that resulted in the deaths of two police officers.

Australian police continue a significant search for Dezi Freeman, the accused shooter of two police officers in Porepunkah. Following the attack on Tuesday, which also left another officer injured, local law enforcement is utilizing a helicopter and armored vehicles. Police Chief leaves the community on alert as Freeman remains at large.

Australian police are continuing a massive search for a heavily armed man suspected of shooting and killing two officers in a rural town.

Ten police officers were fired upon on Tuesday after travelling to the property in Porepunkah - about 300km (186 miles) north-east of Melbourne - to execute a warrant for alleged sexual offences.

Almost 24 hours later, police have named the suspect as local man Dezi Freeman, 56, and confirmed he is 'still at large'.

Police have deployed officers, a helicopter and armored vehicles to the area and warned locals to stay inside until Mr. Freeman is caught.

'We are pouring every resource into the search,' Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Mike Bush stated. 'Be vigilant, keep yourselves safe.'

Freeman has yet to be spotted since fleeing the scene, and authorities are focusing on a dense bush area near his home.

'He will know that area better than us, which is why we are putting in every expert, supported by local knowledge,' Mr. Bush added.

Surrounded by heavily wooded hills, Porepunkah is strategically positioned only about an hour's drive from the New South Wales border.

The police continue to expand their search area, including consideration that Freeman may have left the state, although no information to support this has been found as of yet.