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41m ago

Manhunt Underway in Rural Victoria After Two Police Officers Killed and Third Wounded

Specialist units are scouring bushland and locals are told to stay indoors as officers hunt a heavily armed suspect.

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A huge manhunt began for Dezi Freeman after he allegedly shot dead two police officers and wounded another executing a search warrant at his property in Porepunkah on Tuesday. NewsWire
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Overview

  • Victoria Police say ten officers attended a Rayner Track property near Porepunkah about 10:30am to execute a search warrant when they came under fire.
  • A 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old senior constable were killed, and a third detective was shot in the lower body and airlifted to hospital in a stable condition after surgery.
  • The suspect fled into surrounding bushland and is believed to be heavily armed, prompting a large ground-and-air search, lockdowns, and the closure of local public facilities and the airfield.
  • Police have not confirmed the suspect’s identity or motive; media reports cite a possible ‘sovereign citizen’ link and a warrant related to historical sex offences, which authorities have not verified.
  • Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said homicide and specialist squads are leading the effort; leaders including the prime minister and premier offered condolences in an incident noted as rare in Australia.