Dezi Freeman manhunt: Lindt Cafe hero warns Victoria Police as search continues
A hero police officer from the Lindt Cafe siege has issued important advice for his colleagues hunting alleged cop killer Dezi Freeman in Victoria’s high country.
Former tactical operations group officer Ben Besant, who led his men into the Lindt Cafe and shot dead siege terrorist Man Monis, says police can learn lessons from what happened during the Sydney shootout.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Lindt Cafe hero warns Victoria Police amid Dezi Freeman manhunt.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The decorated hero knows what it’s like to have to shoot to kill and predicts the bushland search for Freeman could end the same way.
“From what I’ve seen from this lunatic, I don’t imagine he’s going to go down without a fight,” Besant said.
Besant today sent a message of support to Victoria Police, confident they’ll track down Freeman.
“Very confident. They know what they’re doing. It will happen. You will catch up with him,” he said.
But he also warned not to let revenge drive their chase for the cop killer.
“It’s hard not to. It’s hard not to get into that mindset. Use it to motivate you. Don’t let it cloud your judgement,” Besant advised.
The former tactical operations officer also helped find murderer Malcolm Naden after seven years on the run, saying bushland pursuits are incredibly difficult.
“It was like scenes out of the Vietnam War. We were crossing with our rifles above our heads and the water running up to our throats,” he said.
As the bushland search continues, Besant’s key concerns lay with the officers involved in the fatal operation, with real fears for their future welfare.
“Just one incident ultimately will affect and change their lives forever,” he said.
Besant has dedicated his life to raising awareness of PTSD and wrote a book on it after it cost his career, marriage, kids and home post-Lindt.
“Try and address it early. If you’re not going to do it just for yourself, do it for your family and loved ones around you,” he said.
The advice comes as the manhunt continues to stop Freeman destroying any more lives.
