Surrender plan 'open' to Australian gunman Dezi Freeman as manhunt continues after officers killed. Video / AFP
Victoria Police have announced a reward of up to A$1 million ($1.1m) for information leading to the arrest of Desmond Freeman, wanted for the murder of two police officers.
Dezi Freeman, formerly Filby, allegedly gunned down the officers at a remote Porepunkah property, in Victoria’s northeast, on August 26 whilethey were trying to execute a search warrant.
Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart were killed, and a third police officer was seriously injured during the alleged shooting.
Police last saw the 56-year-old flee into bush near the Rayner Track property after the fatal incident, armed with guns.
“As part of the effort to locate Freeman and bring him into custody peacefully and safely, police are offering a reward of up to $1m for information on his whereabouts that leads to his arrest,” Victoria Police said in a statement today.
“This reward represents the largest ever offered in Victoria for an arrest.”
Hundreds of police officers and Australian Defence Force members have searched for self-described sovereign citizen Dezi Freeman. Photo / David Caird, NewsWire
The self-described sovereign citizen is a married father and an experienced bushman who had previously been hostile towards police and the judicial system.
A large-scale manhunt involving 450 Victoria Police officers, Australian Defence Force members, Australian Federal Police and officers from other states searched for the alleged double-murderer using heat-detecting equipment and other technology.
Heavily armed officers in Bearcats and police vehicles were seen searching Freeman’s property.
More than 100 properties in the Porepunkah region were also searched by police in the hunt for the alleged gunman.
There was speculation Freeman could be hiding underground in one of the hundreds of mineshafts in the area or was being harboured by sympathisers.
A no-fly zone was in place banning all aircraft, including drones, from flying within a 7.5km area of Porepunkah Airport.
“Given the suspect in this matter is heavily armed, this condition has been granted due to the risk to aircraft and drones,” police said.
One of the two police officers gunned down at Porepunkah, senior constable de Waart-Hottart, 35, was laid to rest on September 5.
Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said de Waart-Hottart was on temporary assignment in Wangaratta at the time of the alleged shooting.
Detective Thompson was due to retire on Friday after 38 years of service with Victoria Police.
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