Police Fatally Shoot Porepunkah Gunman Dezi Freeman
Police fatally shot the long-sought gunman, Dezi Freeman, at a rural property in Victoria’s north-east shortly after 8:30am on Monday, 30 March. No officers were hurt during the operation, police said. The state coroner will attend and Professional Standards Command will oversee the inquiry.
End of a months-long manhunt
The 56-year-old had been wanted since the fatal Porepunkah shootings in August. It is 216 days since two officers were killed and a third seriously injured at a Porepunkah address.
Freeman was last seen running into bushland at Mount Buffalo National Park on August 26. He described himself as a self-styled “sovereign citizen” and evaded capture for more than seven months.
Scale of the search
The hunt grew into one of Australia’s largest tactical operations. Hundreds of Victorian police led the search. Personnel from interstate, the Australian Federal Police and New Zealand also assisted.
Community and official responses
Friends and colleagues of the slain officers reacted with relief and sombre reflection. Neal Thompson’s close friend said the news provided some closure while not changing the scale of the loss.
The Police Association of Victoria praised search teams and noted the outcome was a step forward for the families of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart. The union emphasised the bravery of officers involved in the extended operation.
Local reaction and impact
Residents in Porepunkah and nearby towns described a palpable sense of relief. Bright business owners said the manhunt had dominated local conversation despite tourism continuing through summer.
People near the Victorian–NSW border reported heavy police activity. A Mount Alfred resident said unmarked cars and helicopters were present during morning operations. Mount Alfred lies more than 100 kilometres from Porepunkah, near areas badly affected by recent bushfires.
Next steps
Victoria Police announced an on-camera update by Chief Commissioner Mike Bush at 11am in Melbourne. Authorities confirmed the incident site remains secured for forensic and coroner processes.
Broad media outlets have compiled timelines of the seven-month search. Filmogaz.com will follow the official briefings and investigative developments as they unfold.
