Table of Contents
Introduction
Australia is reeling after a deadly police shooting in Porepunkah, Victoria, which claimed the lives of two officers and left another seriously injured. Authorities have identified the fallen officers as Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart. The suspect, 56-year-old Dezi Bird Freeman, remains at large, triggering one of the largest police manhunts in Victoria’s history.
Victims Identified: Neal Thompson & Vadim De Waart
Victoria Police confirmed the identities of the two officers killed in the ambush:
- Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson (59) – a veteran officer nearing retirement, remembered for his decades of service.
- Senior Constable Vadim De Waart (35) – a younger officer who had recently joined the Public Order Response Team, described as dedicated and courageous.
A third officer, whose name has not been released, is recovering in hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds.
The Suspect: Who is Dezi Bird Freeman?
- Background: Freeman, also known as Desmond Christopher Filby, is linked to the “sovereign citizen” movement, which rejects government authority.
- Criminal History: He was the subject of a firearms prohibition warrant tied to alleged historical sex offences.
- Armed and Dangerous: Police believe Freeman is heavily armed and may have taken police-issued sidearms from the fallen officers. His survival skills in bushland make the manhunt especially challenging.
The Shooting Incident
The violence erupted when Victoria Police officers executed a search warrant at Freeman’s remote property on Rayner Track near Porepunkah. As officers searched a bus on his land, Freeman allegedly opened fire, fatally striking two officers and injuring a third.
The attack has been described by Victoria Police Chief Commissioner as “an ambush — cold-blooded murder of our officers.”
Manhunt Across Victoria’s Alpine Region
Authorities have launched a massive manhunt involving:
- Special Operations Groups and tactical police units
- Air support and drones scanning bushland
- Roadblocks and lockdowns across Porepunkah and nearby towns
- Closure of Mount Buffalo National Park and surrounding trails
Residents have been urged to stay indoors as the suspect is considered extremely dangerous.
Political & Public Reaction
- Premier Jacinta Allan described the shooting as a “heartbreaking tragedy” and vowed full support for law enforcement.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offered condolences to the families of the slain officers, calling the act “a brutal reminder of the risks our police face every day.”
- Communities across Victoria held blue light vigils in honor of the fallen officers.
Community in Shock
Porepunkah, a small alpine town known for its peaceful charm, has been thrust into national headlines. Locals remain shaken, describing the ordeal as unlike anything their community has ever experienced.
What’s Next in the Manhunt?
- Police continue to tighten the search perimeter.
- Freeman’s family is cooperating with authorities and is not believed to be with him.
- Tactical teams are preparing for a long operation in difficult terrain.
Authorities stress that Freeman will be captured, though the operation may take time due to the rugged alpine environment.
Conclusion
The Porepunkah police shooting is a tragedy that has shocked Australia. As the manhunt for Dezi Freeman intensifies, the nation mourns the loss of Neal Thompson and Vadim De Waart—two officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.