Australian police urged a fugitive accused of killing two officers to “lay down your firearms” as the search stretched into a fourth day. It continued across rugged bushland near Porepunkah, Victoria. The suspect, 56-year-old Dezi Freeman, fled into the forest on Tuesday after shots were fired at his home in the state’s northeast. Police believe he remains armed and dangerous.
Two Officers Killed, One Wounded
The “horrific” attack killed Detective Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35. A third officer suffered a lower-body wound and will undergo a second surgery. Doctors expect a recovery. Police say a team of 10 had gone to the property that morning to execute a search warrant. It included members of the sexual offences and child investigation squad.
‘Lay Down Your Firearms,’ Police Say
The state’s police leadership said the force’s “number one priority” is finding the suspect and ending the threat. “If that person is listening, it really is time to lay down your firearms and give yourself up. We can all bring this to a safe conclusion,” a senior official said. More than 450 officers are committed to the search. Investigators noted the suspect’s bush survival skills and knowledge of the area. Australian police again urged the gunman to surrender to avoid further harm.
Warnings to public and rare fatal shootings
Officers warned that anyone who helps the fugitive commit an offence will face charges. As part of the investigation, police detained the suspect’s 42-year-old partner and 15-year-old son late on Thursday. Both were questioned and released. During the initial exchange, officers returned fire but do not believe the suspect was hit. Meanwhile, media reports link him to the “sovereign citizen” movement, which rejects the authority of state laws.
Context: Gun Violence in Australia
Deadly shootings remain uncommon in Australia, and police fatalities are rarer still. The national memorial recorded one officer shot dead in 2023. Australia has banned automatic and semi-automatic weapons since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. In that event, a lone gunman killed 35 people. The latest call—Australian police urge gunman to surrender—underlines that focus on prevention and a safe resolution.
