Victoria Police Offers $1 Million Reward for Information on Fugitive Dezi Freeman

Victoria Police has dramatically increased the stakes in its search for Dezi Freeman, offering a record-breaking $1 million reward for any information that leads to his arrest. The fugitive is accused of fatally shooting two police officers and wounding a third during a tense confrontation at his property in Porepunkah, located in the north-east of the state.

The reward marks a significant escalation in the manhunt, representing the largest such offer in the history of Victoria for an arrest. Previous rewards of the same magnitude have been tied to convictions, not arrests, highlighting the gravity of the situation. The reward is aimed at encouraging the public to come forward with any information that could help locate Freeman and bring him to justice.

A Violent Encounter with Police

The incident occurred when a team of police officers executed a search warrant at Freeman’s property relating to historical sex offences. According to police, Freeman opened fire on the officers, killing two and injuring a third before fleeing the scene on foot, armed with multiple weapons. He has been at large for 12 days since the shooting, which has left the community in shock and law enforcement on high alert.

Determination to Locate Freeman

Detective Inspector Dean Thomas of the Homicide Squad emphasized the seriousness of the situation and the urgency of the search. This figure recognises the seriousness of this violent offending and our commitment to locating Freeman as soon as possible so that he is no longer a risk to the broader community. Thomas added that the reward is intended to incentivize anyone with information to come forward, even if they have been hesitant to do so before.

An Intensive Manhunt

Victoria Police has deployed more than 450 officers and support personnel in the search for Freeman, covering vast areas of the region. Despite the extensive efforts, there have been no confirmed sightings of the fugitive since the day of the shooting. Authorities are considering multiple scenarios, including the possibility that Freeman is being assisted by someone, is hiding alone in the bush, or is already deceased.

Freeman was last seen wearing dark green (khaki) tracksuit pants, a dark green rain jacket, brown Blundstone boots, and reading glasses. These details are being shared with the public to aid in the search.

Public Urged to Assist

Authorities are urging anyone who may have information about Freeman's whereabouts to come forward. The public is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online through the CrimeStoppers website. All tips will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

As the manhunt continues, the community and law enforcement remain focused on ensuring Freeman is brought to justice and that the officers who were injured receive the support they need. The unprecedented reward reflects both the seriousness of the crime and the determination of police to locate Freeman at any cost.