Victoria Police are offering a $1 million reward for information that leads to Dezi Freeman’s arrest – the man accused of killing two police officers during what should have been a routine warrant execution. On August 26, Freeman gunned down Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart at his remote Porepunkah property in Victoria’s northeast. A third officer barely survived the attack.
The 56-year-old suspect, who previously went by the surname Filby, vanished into dense bushland near Rayner Track immediately after the shooting. He was carrying multiple firearms when last seen fleeing the scene of what police describe as an execution-style attack.
This $1 million reward represents the largest sum ever offered by Victorian authorities for a single arrest. Police Commissioner Mike Bush announced the historic bounty during Saturday’s media briefing, emphasizing that bringing Freeman into custody remains their absolute priority.
The substantial reward signals just how seriously authorities view this case. Freeman isn’t just another fugitive – he’s an alleged cop killer who’s proven he’ll use deadly force against law enforcement without hesitation.
The search operation has become one of Australia’s largest domestic manhunts in recent memory. 450 Victoria Police officers are working alongside Australian Defence Force personnel, Federal Police agents, and interstate law enforcement teams to track down the suspect.
Search teams are using thermal imaging equipment and sophisticated tracking technology to scour the rugged terrain where Freeman disappeared. The operation covers an enormous area of northeast Victoria’s most challenging wilderness, where an experienced bushman could potentially hide for months.
Freeman describes himself as a sovereign citizen – someone who rejects government authority and legal systems. This 56-year-old married father has a long history of hostility toward police and courts, making him unpredictable and potentially explosive when cornered.
His extensive bushcraft knowledge gives him significant advantages in the dense Victorian wilderness. Local speculation suggests he might be hiding in abandoned mineshafts that dot the region, or receiving help from like-minded sympathizers who share his anti-government views.
Authorities have established a comprehensive security perimeter around the search area. All aircraft – including recreational drones and helicopters – are banned from flying within 7.5 kilometers of Porepunkah Airport while the manhunt continues.
“Given this suspect is heavily armed and has already killed two officers, we’re taking every precaution to protect our search teams and the public,” a police spokesperson explained. The no-fly restriction reflects genuine concerns about Freeman’s willingness to fire on aircraft.
The human cost of this tragedy continues reverberating through Victoria Police and the broader community. Senior Constable de Waart-Hottart, just 35 years old, was farewelled at an emotional funeral service on September 5. He’d been on temporary assignment in Wangaratta when Freeman opened fire.
Detective Thompson’s death feels particularly cruel – he was scheduled to retire this Friday after dedicating 38 years to serving Victoria Police. Instead of celebrating his retirement, colleagues are planning his funeral while hunting his killer through the bush.
Victoria Police will provide updates during Wednesday morning’s press conference as the search for Freeman enters its second week. Anyone with information about his whereabouts should contact police immediately – that million-dollar reward could change someone’s life while delivering justice for two fallen officers.
