Victoria Police believe that some people are helping to hide alleged gunman Dezi Freeman from Porepunkah, stating that certain residents know his location.
Speaking to the media on Monday afternoon, Superintendent Brett Kahan described Freeman’s network as “wide” and urged anyone with information to come forward.
“Harbouring or assisting Dezi Freeman in his escape is an extremely serious crime,” Kahan said. “Some people know the whereabouts of the person accused of killing two police officers. For whatever reason, they have chosen not to come forward. I’m appealing to you now to do the right thing.”
Police have set up a mobile facility in nearby Bright, which will be open seven days a week for people to share information. “We’re creating more ways for the public to help us locate Dezi Freeman. Please take this opportunity—the facility will be open during daylight hours, every day of the week, including weekends. We’re here and ready to listen.”
Since the alleged murders, police have received over 450 tips and have searched hundreds of acres around Porepunkah, where they believe Freeman has been hiding. Kahan also asked the public for help identifying specific areas in the dense forest where the fugitive may have been. “If you know of any such locations, please tell police. The terrain is difficult and very thickly wooded.”
When asked whether Freeman’s wife—arrested last week and later released—was assisting him, Kahan noted that “speaking with police and cooperating are two different things.” Freeman’s wife has not been charged and recently issued a statement urging her husband to surrender.
Kahan did not specify what firearms Freeman might have access to but emphasized that police would “continue to saturate” the area until he is found. “Specialist teams are searching every corner for the fugitive,” he said.
Police have frequently returned to the property where Freeman lived, though Kahan declined to explain why. On Monday morning, officers and an armoured vehicle were seen at the location.
Kahan acknowledged that the local community has been largely supportive but stressed that “the fugitive’s network is wide.” He encouraged anyone with ties to Freeman to come forward anonymously or speak directly with police.
He reiterated that Freeman’s best option is to surrender and confirmed that Victoria Police remain highly committed to finding him. “Our resource commitment goes beyond just this search,” Kahan added. “We are also preparing to honour two fallen colleagues with funerals on Friday and Monday, which places additional strain on our resources as we continue the hunt for Dezi Freeman.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the police appeal for information on Dezi Freeman written in a clear and natural tone
General Information
Q Who is Dezi Freeman
A Dezi Freeman is a man wanted by police in connection with a homicide in Porepunkah Victoria He is considered an alleged killer and is the subject of an active police search
Q What happened in Porepunkah
A A man was killed in Porepunkah Police have alleged that Dezi Freeman is responsible for this homicide and are treating the incident as a murder investigation
Q Is Dezi Freeman considered dangerous
A Yes Police have advised the public not to approach him as he may be dangerous If you see him you should call 000 immediately
For the Public How to Help
Q What should I do if I see Dezi Freeman
A Do not approach him Immediately call Triple Zero and provide your location and a description of what you see to the police operator
Q I have some old information not a current sighting Is it still worth reporting
A Absolutely Any piece of information no matter how small or how long ago it was could be crucial to the investigation Please report it
Q How do I report information if its not an emergency
A You can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at the Crime Stoppers Victoria website
Q Can I report information anonymously
A Yes When you contact Crime Stoppers your identity is protected You are not required to give your name and the call is not recorded
Advanced Questions
Q Why are police making a public appeal like this
A Public appeals massively extend the reach of an investigation Someone in the community may have seen something without realizing its importance or may know his whereabouts even if they arent directly involved
Q What kind of information are police actually looking for
A They are looking for anything that could lead to his location This includes
Recent or past sightings
Knowledge of his habits friends or places he might frequent
Information about vehicles he might have access to
