Police are continuing their search for Desmond Freeman, also known as Desmond Filby. Freeman is wanted in connection to the shooting death of two police officers in Porepunkah on Tuesday 26 August.
We urge the public in and around Porepunkah to remain vigilant and report any sightings or suspicious behaviour by calling Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Desmond Freeman (Filby)
Desmond Freeman (Filby), sometimes known to associates as Dezi, is wanted in connection to the shooting death of two police officers in Porepunkah on Tuesday 26 August.
Freeman is described as being Caucasian, 183cm tall, medium build, short dark hair and brown eyes.
He was last seen wearing dark green (khaki) tracksuit pants, dark green rain jacket, brown Blundstone boots, and reading glasses.
He is believed to be armed with firearms, and we urge people not to approach him and contact police immediately by calling Triple Zero (000).
Reward announced for the capture of Desmond Freeman (Filby)
As part of the effort to locate Freeman and bring him into custody peacefully and safely, police are offering up to a reward of up to $1M for information on his whereabouts that leads to his arrest.
This reward represents the largest ever offered in Victoria for an arrest.
Report a sighting, suspicious behaviour, or assistance of Desmond Freeman (Filby)
Please report any sightings, immediate danger or suspicious behaviour by calling Triple Zero (000) immediately.
If someone is assisting Desmond Freeman (Filby), or knows of someone who is, we urge them to act rationally and contact Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Report other information about Desmond Freeman (Filby)
If you have any other relevant information that can assist in the ongoing search for Desmond Freeman (Filby), please contact us in the following ways.
Contact Crime Stoppers
Anyone with information of Desmond Freeman (Filby) is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Information caravan set up in Bright for locals
An information caravan has been set up in Bright as part of the ongoing search for Desmond Freeman (Filby). Locals and people within the community are encouraged to drop by and have a chat.
We want to encourage the community to come forward and share any information they have. It is also a place they can speak to police about any concerns.
Information caravan location
The information caravan is available at the following locations on the following dates:
- Friday 12 September: Nicholson Street, Porepunkah, VIC, 3740.
- Saturday 13 September - Monday14 September: Outside Bright Uniting Church, which is situated on Ireland St, Bright, VIC, 3741.
Porepunkah shooting
Shortly after 10.30am on Tuesday, 26 August, police attended a property on Rayner Track, Porepunkah. They were attacked while executing a search warrant in relation to Desmond Freeman (Filby) at that property.
Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart were tragically killed in the line of duty. A third police officer was seriously injured after being shot in the lower body.
Desmond Freeman (Filby) was last sighted by police fleeing on foot into the bush from the Rayner Track property shortly after the shooting. He is believed to be armed with firearms, and we urge people not to approach him.
A significant search was immediately activated to locate him, and the search remains ongoing.
At this stage, there have been no further confirmed sightings of Desmond Freeman (Filby).
Police resources and the ongoing search operation
Victoria Police have 450 police currently scouring the search area.
This includes police from the Special Operations Group, Critical Incident Response Team and other frontline police. Our Homicide, Armed Crime and Fugitive squads also remain in the vicinity.
Additional members from across the state are assisting the local police with searches, patrols and responding to calls for assistance from the local community.
On top of this, police from other states and AFP specialist units are all assisting in the search.
We remain open to all possibilities and are exploring all avenues of information.
Local community updates and information
Victoria Police would like to reassure the residents of Porepunkah, and the greater Alpine community, that public safety is our priority.
Local residents will continue to be updated on the status of the search through emergency messaging, social and traditional media.
The advice for the local community remains the same - stay vigilant around your surroundings, report anything suspicious, and if you see Desmond, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Latest travel information
For the latest updates for people travelling to Porepunkah and surrounds, please refer to the latest VIC Emergency alert information.
Local and online community mental health support and services
It is normal to have strong reactions during and after a distressing or frightening event in your area. These reactions can include physical, mental, emotional, and/or, behavioural reactions.
There are both local and online support and helplines to support the Alpine community to access mental health support after the Porepunkah shooting.
Call Triple Zero (000) if you or someone you know is in immediate danger or at risk of harm to themselves or others.
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