Dezi Freeman: Police funerals announced as fugitive squad, ADF broaden search for alleged cop killer

Victoria’s top cop has announced the dates for the funerals of fallen officers, Vadim De Waart and Neal Thompson, as the fugitive squad and ADF broaden the manhunt for alleged cop killer Dezi Freeman.

Chief Commissioner Mike Bush delivered a sombre community update on Wednesday, sharing details of the funerals to be held on Friday and next Monday.

“It’s been a week and a day after the horrific murder of two Victorian police officers, and our resolve and determination grow by the day to bring this to a peaceful and safe conclusion,” Commissioner Bush said.

“On Friday and next Monday, we will have the funerals for our two fallen officers. The community, the Victoria Police and the wider community of Victoria would love to see that safe conclusion to this prior to those funerals.

“I do appeal to the person responsible to hand themselves in immediately, and my message to them is that your destiny is in your hands.”

Police have not shied away from the idea that Freeman, who is alleged to have shot dead the two police officers who were executing a search warrant at his home in Porepunkah, is being assisted by others in the area.

“That’s a real possibility. We are considering all options in terms of where he may be,” Mr Bush added.

Freeman, 56, had previously claimed to be a ‘sovereign citizen’, has been on the run for nine days and as the search for Freeman intensifies, more resources, including ADF personnel, are being engaged to assist.

“I want to acknowledge, again, all law enforcement across Australia who are supporting us in this hunt for this person,” Mr Bush said.

“We’re also joined by assets from the Australian Defence Force. Everyone is leaning into this search because we must resolve it as soon as possible.”

The scale of the search area has proven difficult for emergency services, and leading investigators continue to warn anyone harbouring Freeman is endangering themselves and the wider community.

“Victoria Police has deployed a significant number of resources, and as you heard previously from the Chief Commissioner, hundreds of police with specialist support have been deployed,” Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly told the media.

“What I can also and would like to update you on is in relation to the search for Desmond Freeman. Victoria police are very pleased in terms of the community assistance we’ve received, and the associates of Mr Freeman are also providing information.

“Victoria police have quite a few resources employed in terms of the fugitive squad. The Fugitive Squad was established over a decade ago now, and history suggests that is we find the person responsible and we will locate them and put them before the courts.”

When asked if they had any strong leads and if police knew where Mr Freeman was hiding, Commissioner Bush responded: “If we knew where he was, he would be with us.”