Benalla, Victoria – A renewed police presence was observed in and around Benalla, Victoria on Wednesday afternoon, including a helicopter and a BearCat armoured vehicle, as the search for Dezi Freeman continues into its 36th day. Residents reported seeing 15 to 20 unmarked police cars involved in the operation.
Freeman is wanted in connection with the shooting deaths of Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, 35, and detective leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, on August 26, while officers were attempting to serve him with a warrant related to alleged past sex abuse. Another detective was seriously wounded in the incident.
Police confirmed earlier this week they had scaled back the large-scale search, which has covered more than 40 square kilometres of land by foot and air, involving specialist teams from interstate and overseas.
Despite the reduced scale,the search remains active. Police have received 1400 pieces of details from the public and ongoing offers of support from police commissioners across Australia and New Zealand.
A $1 million reward, the largest financial offer in Victoria’s history for facilitating an arrest, and the possibility of indemnity remain in place for information leading to Freeman’s capture.
Freeman’s wife, Amalia, and a 15-year-old boy were previously arrested and released without charge.
Mount Buffalo National Park remains closed, while access has been restored to Porepunkah. The state government announced a $2.5 million relief package for businesses impacted by the search on September 15.
Police continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and not approach Freeman, who is considered armed and risky, if sighted. The Goomalibee area, where Freeman’s property is located, has a population of 91, according to the 2021 census. A local farmer noted the presence of “a heap of bloody vehicles, I’ve probably seen about 20,” but declined to identify the owner of the neighbouring property, stating, “they’re really good neighbours.”
