Overview

• Victoria Police charged a 61-year-old Bright man with possessing an imitation firearm and cannabis after a Friday search, with any links to Freeman still under investigation and a court date set for October 3.
• The forward command post shifted from Feathertop Winery to a Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action facility in Ovens to support ongoing operations.
• Roughly 450 officers from Victoria and other jurisdictions continue combing rugged alpine terrain, with severe weather complicating efforts and Mount Buffalo National Park remaining closed.
• Authorities say reported sightings are being assessed but none are confirmed, and the public is urged to call 000 and not approach the suspect, who is considered armed and dangerous.
• Freeman’s wife publicly appealed for him to surrender and pledged cooperation with police, after she and the couple’s 15-year-old son were arrested earlier, interviewed, and released pending further inquiries.