BREAKING: A shocking police ambush in rural Porepunkah, Australia, has left two officers dead and one injured, triggering an intense manhunt for the suspect, Dezi Freeman, who remains at large. The incident unfolded at approximately 10:30 AM on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, as police executed a search warrant at a property near Mount Buffalo.
Freeman, a self-identified “sovereign citizen” with a known disdain for law enforcement, allegedly opened fire on officers as they approached the property, killing a 59-year-old detective and a 39-year-old senior constable. Another officer was injured but is expected to survive following surgery. Chief Commissioner Mike Bush described the attack as a brutal act of violence, stating the officers were “murdered in cold blood.”
In an urgent press conference, Bush confirmed that Freeman is heavily armed and familiar with the surrounding bushland. The manhunt involves multiple officers, and authorities are working tirelessly to locate the suspect, who fled into the dense woods with firearms believed to be powerful long-arms.
The police operation has drawn on lessons from previous tragedies, including a similar ambush in Queensland in December 2022. However, questions linger regarding the risk assessment conducted before the warrant was executed. Bush acknowledged that the police had assessed the threat level posed by Freeman, indicating that ten officers were dispatched to the scene based on that evaluation.
Freeman has a long history of anti-government rhetoric and appears to have radicalized during the COVID-19 pandemic. His social media activity has included inflammatory posts against government restrictions. The Australian Federal Police previously warned about the potential for violence from “sovereign citizen” groups, emphasizing their capacity to inspire violent acts.
As the situation develops, weather conditions are worsening, with heavy rain and damaging winds forecasted for the region. This poses additional challenges for both law enforcement and Freeman, who is familiar with bushcraft—a skill that could aid him in evading capture.
Authorities confirmed that Freeman’s wife and two children, initially believed to be in the vicinity, have since been located and are safe. The police have urged Freeman to surrender peacefully, with Bush stating, “My message to that person is give yourself up so that the community can be at peace.”
The atmosphere in police stations across Victoria is tense, as the tragic events have instilled a deep sense of dread among officers. Wayne Gatt, secretary of the Police Association Victoria, articulated the haunting reality that officers face, emphasizing the fear of the “ultimate price” in their line of duty.
As the manhunt continues, authorities are asking the public for any information that could assist in locating Freeman. This incident has not only sparked a wide-scale search but has also raised critical discussions about police safety and the risks associated with executing search warrants in high-stakes environments.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.
