Police wrap up fifth and final search for Dezi Freeman with no results found
Police have provided an update on the search for Desmond ‘Dezi’ Freeman, with the operation reaching a crucial stage as teams combed dense bushland in Victoria’s northeast.
Police have wrapped up the fifth and final day of a renewed search for fugitive Desmond ‘Dezi’ Freeman, with authorities confirming the operation ended without locating the man or any remains.
More than 100 officers and specialist search teams spent the past week combing dense bushland in Victoria’s northeast, following new intelligence that prompted investigators to revisit the area months after two police officers were fatally shot near Porepunkah.
Victoria Police said the latest operation concluded on Friday, with no discoveries made during the five-day search.
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Mr Freeman, formerly Filby, allegedly gunned down Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart on August 26 last year while the officers were attempting to execute a search warrant at a remote property.
A third officer was seriously injured during the alleged ambush.
Police last saw the 56-year-old flee into bushland near Rayner Track, reportedly armed with firearms.
The renewed search began on Monday after investigators analysed intelligence linked to a reported gunshot heard in the region shortly after the alleged killings.
A member of the public had come forward claiming they heard what they believed was a shot about 12.29pm on the day of the incident, information police said was later corroborated through further analysis.
More than 100 officers were deployed during the operation, assisted by cadaver dogs and specialist resources, scouring an area equivalent to about 52 MCG ovals. Crews searched rugged terrain including caves, mines and waterways.
Earlier this week, Detective Inspector Adam Tilley revealed police “strongly believe” Mr Freeman is deceased, citing the lack of proof of life since August and the extensive intelligence gathered during what he described as the country’s largest manhunt.
“There has been no information or intelligence come forward, no proof of life since the 26th of August last year,” Mr Tilley said.
“We are comfortable that we don’t believe he is here alive. However, we are keeping an open mind that that is a possibility. We do believe strongly that he is in this area, deceased.”
Mr Freeman is described as a self-proclaimed sovereign citizen, married father of two and experienced bushman who had previously expressed hostility towards police and the judicial system.
Since the alleged shootings, hundreds of Victoria Police officers, along with Australian Defence Force personnel, Australian Federal Police and interstate officers, have taken part in the search using heat-detection technology and other advanced assets.
Detectives have assessed more than 2000 pieces of information throughout the investigation, while a $1 million reward remains on offer for information leading to Mr Freeman’s arrest.
Police continue to urge anyone with knowledge of Freeman’s whereabouts to come forward, warning that if he is still alive, he may be armed and dangerous.
Originally published as Police wrap up fifth and final search for Dezi Freeman with no results found
