A massive manhunt is under way in rural Victoria after two police officers were killed and another seriously injured during an ambush at a property in the small town of Porepunkah, about 300km north-east of Melbourne.
Police say the suspect, described as “heavily armed,” fled on foot into nearby bushland following the shooting on Tuesday morning. Hundreds of officers, including air support, have been deployed in the search.
According to Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush, 10 officers had gone to the property at around 10:30 local time (00:30 GMT) to serve an arrest warrant connected to historical sex offences. They came under heavy gunfire, leaving a 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old senior constable dead. A third officer was airlifted to hospital in critical condition.
“These officers were murdered in cold blood,” Commissioner Bush said, calling the suspect “dangerous” and urging him to surrender. Authorities are also attempting to locate the man’s wife and two children, who were not seen fleeing with him.
The killings have shocked the Alpine Shire community of around 1,000 residents, where violent crime is rare. Mayor Sarah Nicholas expressed “deep sorrow and shock,” offering condolences and solidarity with the victims’ families.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan praised the bravery of the officers and pledged full support to the police.
Local media have named the suspect as Dezi Freeman, reportedly linked to the “sovereign citizen” movement — a fringe group that rejects government authority and has been linked to sporadic violence.
Gun crime is uncommon in Australia, which maintains some of the world’s toughest firearm laws. The incident has drawn comparisons with a 2022 Queensland ambush that left two police officers dead.
Residents in the area have been advised to remain indoors while the search continues.
