Australia Offers Record A$1 Million Reward to Catch Gunman Who Killed Two Cops

Photo : AFP

Australian authorities have announced a record reward of A$1 million (around $650,000) for any information that helps capture a gunman who has been on the run for 11 days. The man, 56-year-old Dezi Freeman, previously known as Desmond Filby, is accused of killing two police officers during a shooting on a rural property in Victoria state. A third officer was injured in the incident.

The massive search operation has involved more than 450 police officers who have been combing the mountainous and remote areas of Victoria since the shootings on August 26. The reward offered is the largest ever in the southeastern state of Australia, showing the seriousness and urgency of the effort to bring Freeman into custody.

According to authorities, Freeman is accused of opening fire on a team of ten police officers when they arrived at his rural property to execute a search warrant. Among the officers targeted were members of the sexual offences and child investigation team. The shooting has shocked local communities and law enforcement agencies across Victoria.

Freeman is believed to have expert skills in bushcraft, meaning he is capable of surviving and moving stealthily in the wilderness for long periods. He is also thought to have access to multiple powerful firearms. Local media have described him as a "sovereign citizen," a person who refuses to recognize the authority of the government, which makes the man even more dangerous and unpredictable.

Victoria police released a statement saying, "As part of the effort to locate Freeman and bring him into custody peacefully and safely, police are offering a reward of up to $1 million for information on his whereabouts that leads to his arrest. This reward represents the largest ever offered in Victoria for an arrest."

Authorities have warned that Freeman may be in remote high country areas and could either be alone or receiving help from others. There is also a possibility that he may have harmed himself. The search is focused on difficult and rugged terrain, including the town of Porepunkah, which is about 300 kilometers northeast of Melbourne, the state capital. Freeman allegedly fled into the bush in this area in harsh, wintry conditions, making the search even more challenging.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has publicly paid tribute to the two police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35, are remembered as brave men who dedicated their lives to protecting the community. Premier Allan described the ongoing operation to catch Freeman as a "huge and complex effort", praising the courage and dedication of all the officers involved in the search.

The hunt for Freeman has drawn nationwide attention, with police using helicopters, trackers, and specialized teams to comb the forests and mountains where he might be hiding. Authorities are asking the public to stay alert and report any sightings or information, while warning people not to approach Freeman, who is considered extremely dangerous.

Community members in and around Porepunkah and surrounding towns have expressed fear and concern over the manhunt. Residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid remote areas, and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Police continue to stress that public safety is their top priority while they try to capture Freeman alive.

The tragedy has also highlighted the risks faced by police officers during routine operations. Investigators note that serving search warrants in rural and remote areas can be especially dangerous, particularly when confronting armed and potentially unstable individuals. The deaths of Thompson and De Waart have sparked discussions about officer safety, bush survival training, and community preparedness in remote areas.

Authorities continue to appeal to anyone with information about Freeman’s location to come forward. They have promised that any tip leading to his arrest will be kept confidential and eligible for the A$1 million reward. Police also remind the public that even small pieces of information, such as sightings or unusual activity in the bush or rural roads, can be crucial in locating the suspect.

As the search enters its second week, officers remain committed to locating Freeman while ensuring that the operation is conducted safely. Emergency services, local councils, and community leaders are all working together to keep residents informed and to support the ongoing hunt. Helicopters are surveying rugged mountain ranges, and officers on the ground are combing forests, valleys, and remote tracks, looking for any sign of the armed suspect.

The case has also sparked conversations about "sovereign citizens" and the challenges they pose to law enforcement. Experts note that individuals who reject government authority can be extremely difficult to track and may resist arrest violently. This makes the operation to capture Freeman particularly complicated, as authorities must balance the need for swift action with the safety of the officers and the public.

The A$1 million reward is expected to generate new leads from the public, increasing the chances that Freeman will be found. Police have emphasized that the main goal is to bring him into custody safely and peacefully, while ensuring the safety of everyone involved.

In conclusion, the manhunt for Dezi Freeman is one of the largest and most complex operations in Victoria’s recent history. With 450 police officers involved, helicopters patrolling the skies, and specialized teams combing remote terrain, authorities are leaving no stone unturned in their effort to capture the armed and dangerous suspect. Meanwhile, the community continues to mourn the loss of two dedicated police officers and remains alert as the search for Freeman continues. The reward and intensive search efforts show the determination of Victoria’s authorities to bring justice for the slain officers and to ensure the safety of the public.