Bad weather is complicating the ongoing search for Dezi Freeman, the suspected gunman in Porepunkah, who is believed to have shot two police officers. As the manhunt enters its third day, Victoria’s alpine region is experiencing heavy rainfall, with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting continued showers. Authorities are utilising extensive resources to track Freeman, with hundreds of officers dispatched to the small town.
Freeman allegedly fled after shooting Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35, while they were serving a warrant at a semi-rural property. Chief Commissioner Mike Bush noted that Freeman is familiar with the area and possesses bushcraft skills, which may enable him to evade capture. Criminologist Vincent Hurley suggested that while Freeman could potentially survive in the bush for an extended period, it’s more likely that police have cordoned off the area to monitor him.
Weather conditions are expected to worsen, with snow forecasted for elevations above 700 metres and temperatures predicted to drop, which could negatively impact Freeman’s situation. Local residents remain under lockdown, urged to stay indoors as police continue their search efforts.
Tributes are pouring in for the slain officers. Thompson, described as an adventurer with a love for the outdoors, had a long career with the Victoria Police. De Waart, a relatively new officer, was remembered for his zest for life and travel. Floral tributes have been left outside various police stations, and local landmarks were illuminated in blue to honour both officers.