61-Year-Old Suspected Porepunkah Gunman Arrested During Alpine Hunting Incident

manhunt Enters Fifth Day for Alleged police Killer in Victoria’s high Country

Porepunkah, Victoria – The intensive search for Dezi Freeman, 56, accused of fatally shooting two victoria Police officers, continues to grip the state as it enters its fifth day. Hundreds of law enforcement personnel are navigating challenging weather conditions in the rugged high country, steadfast to bring Freeman into custody.

arrest Made in Connection to the Examination

On Saturday, Victoria Police announced the arrest of a 61-year-old man at a property in Radiant, approximately 6 kilometers from Porepunkah. The arrest follows the execution of a search warrant on friday afternoon, during which firearms and cannabis were seized. Investigators are currently interviewing the man to determine any potential links to Freeman and the tragic events of Tuesday.

The Deadly shooting in Porepunkah

freeman is alleged to have shot and killed Det leading Sen Const Neal Thompson, 59, and Sen Const Vadim De Waart, 35, in Porepunkah on Tuesday. A third officer sustained injuries during the incident.The community remains shocked and in mourning as the search intensifies. according to data from the National Police Foundation, incidents of fatal shootings of officers have increased by 15% in the last two years, highlighting the inherent dangers faced by law enforcement.

Search Efforts Hampered by Weather

Adverse weather conditions, including thunderstorms, heavy rain, and hail, have substantially complicated the search operation.Despite these obstacles, over 450 police officers remain deployed, meticulously examining disused mines, caves, and dugouts throughout the rural area. The police force has relocated its forward command post from Feathertop Winery to a government office in Ovens, a move designed to improve operational efficiency.

here’s a quick overview of the key facts:

Fact	Detail
Accused	Dezi Freeman, 56
Victims	Det Leading Sen const Neal Thompson, Sen Const Vadim De Waart
Location	Porepunkah, Victoria
Search Duration	5 days (as of August 30, 2025)

Previous Arrests and Ongoing Inquiries

Earlier in the week, Freeman’s 42-year-old wife, Mali, and a 15-year-old boy were apprehended and questioned at an address in Porepunkah before being released. Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush indicated that charges may or may not be filed in connection with their involvement. The investigation continues to explore all possible avenues.

Did you know? Sovereign citizen ideology,to which Freeman is reported to have ties,often involves individuals rejecting government authority and laws,sometiems leading to confrontations with law enforcement.

Pro Tip: If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Dezi Freeman, do not approach him. Contact Crime Stoppers immediately at 1800 333 000.

A local parkrun event in Bright was canceled on Saturday as a precautionary measure, following a recommendation from the police.

Authorities report Freeman was last seen wearing dark green tracksuit pants, a dark green rain jacket, Blundstone boots, and reading glasses. He is known to have bush survival experience, posing a significant challenge to search teams.

Understanding Sovereign Citizen Ideology

The connection between Dezi freeman and “sovereign citizen” ideas highlights a growing trend of individuals rejecting government authority. This ideology, while seemingly fringe, can pose a serious threat to law enforcement and public safety. Understanding the core beliefs and potential dangers associated with sovereign citizen movements is crucial for both citizens and law enforcement personnel alike.

For further information regarding this ideology, visit the Southern Poverty law Center’s resource page: https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremism/sovereign-citizens

Frequently Asked Questions About the Manhunt

• Who is Dezi Freeman? Dezi Freeman is the 56-year-old man accused of fatally shooting two Victoria Police officers in Porepunkah.
• what is the current status of the search for Freeman? The search is ongoing, with over 450 officers deployed in the high country.
• Has anyone been arrested in connection with the shootings? A 61-year-old man has been arrested and is being questioned,but his connection to Freeman is still under investigation.
• what is ‘sovereign citizen’ ideology? It’s a belief system were individuals reject government authority and laws, potentially leading to risky confrontations.
• Is the public safe? Authorities advise the public not to approach Freeman, and to report any sightings to crime Stoppers.
• What challenges are police facing in the search? Difficult weather conditions and Freeman’s bush survival skills are hampering the search efforts.

What are your thoughts on the challenges law enforcement faces in these situations? Do you beleive more resources should be allocated to mental health support for police officers?

Share your comments below and help us keep the conversation going.

What potential legal defenses might Dezi Freeman employ, considering the reported circumstances of his arrest and the charges he is expected to face?

Manhunt Ends: Dezi Freeman in Custody

After a tense four-day manhunt across the Victorian alpine region, 61-year-old Dezi Freeman has been apprehended in connection with the fatal shooting of two police officers near Porepunkah on August 26th, 2025. The arrest, made during what authorities described as an “active hunting incident,” brings an end to a period of heightened alert and widespread concern for public safety. A third officer sustained injuries during the ambush and is currently recovering.

Details of the Arrest & initial Examination

Victoria Police confirmed Freeman’s arrest occurred earlier today, August 30th, in a remote area near Mount Beauty.Details surrounding the arrest remain limited, but sources indicate a coordinated operation involving specialist police units and aerial support.

Location: Remote alpine region near Mount Beauty,Victoria.

Circumstances: arrest made during an “active hunting incident,” suggesting Freeman was actively attempting to evade capture.

Charges: Freeman is expected to face multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, and theft of firearms.

Firearms Recovered: authorities have not yet confirmed if the stolen weapons have been recovered. The initial incident involved weapons stolen from a rural property.

the Porepunkah Shooting: A Timeline of Events

The tragic events unfolded on August 26th,2025,at a property near Porepunkah,approximately 320 kilometers northeast of Melbourne.

1. Initial Response: police were initially called to the property regarding a separate matter.
2. Ambush Attack: Upon arrival, officers were allegedly ambushed by Freeman, resulting in the deaths of two officers and injuries to a third.
3. Manhunt Launched: A large-scale manhunt was immediately launched, involving hundreds of police personnel, search dogs, and aerial surveillance.
4. Sovereign Citizen Links: Investigations quickly revealed Freeman’s alleged affiliation with the sovereign citizen movement, a loosely defined collection of individuals who reject government authority. This connection is a key focus of the ongoing investigation.
5. Public Safety Concerns: Residents in the alpine region were urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Road closures and increased police presence were implemented throughout the search area.

Understanding the Sovereign Citizen Movement

The alleged connection between Dezi Freeman and the sovereign citizen movement raises critically important questions about the ideology and potential dangers associated with this group. Sovereign citizens typically believe they are not subject to the laws and regulations of the government.

Core Beliefs: Rejection of government authority, denial of legal jurisdiction, and frequently enough, a belief in choice legal systems.

Potential for Violence: While not all sovereign citizens are violent, the ideology can contribute to extremist views and potentially lead to confrontations with law enforcement.

Growing Concern: Law enforcement agencies worldwide are increasingly monitoring sovereign citizen groups due to their potential for criminal activity and violence.

Impact on Victoria Police & Community Response

The shooting has deeply impacted Victoria Police and the wider community. The loss of two officers has prompted an outpouring of grief and support for their families and colleagues.

Officer Wellbeing: Victoria Police are providing extensive support services to officers affected by the tragedy.

community Support: Numerous community initiatives have been launched to support the families of the fallen officers.

Review of Procedures: A review of police procedures and safety protocols is underway to identify any potential improvements.

Ongoing investigation & Future Developments

The investigation into the Porepunkah shooting is ongoing. Authorities are focusing on:

Recovering Stolen Firearms: Locating the stolen weapons is a top priority.

Freeman’s Motives: Determining the motive behind the attack.

Sovereign Citizen Network: Investigating any potential connections to other sovereign citizen groups or individuals.

Forensic Analysis: Thorough forensic analysis of the crime scene and evidence collected.

This is a developing story, and archyde.com will continue to provide updates as more details becomes available. https://www.theage.com.au/national/officer-shot-and-two-missing-after-ambush-at-alpine-property-20250826-p5mpw4.html