‘Do not approach’: Police warn public as armed fugitive remains at large

Residents of a quiet Victorian town have found themselves at the centre of a terrifying ordeal as the manhunt for Dezi Freeman, a self-proclaimed 'sovereign citizen', continues to grip the region.

The unfolding situation has left many locals on edge, with police urging everyone in the area to stay indoors and remain vigilant as they search for the heavily armed suspect.



The usually peaceful community of Porepunkah, nestled in Victoria’s northeast, has been transformed overnight.

After a tragic incident on Tuesday morning, where two police officers were allegedly shot and killed 'in cold blood' and a third wounded, the town has been placed under strict lockdown.

Residents have been told to stay inside, schools have closed their doors, and the streets are eerily quiet as hundreds of police officers, including specialist units, scour the surrounding bushland for any sign of Freeman.

The Department of Education confirmed that Porepunkah Primary School remains closed, while Bright Secondary College has reopened with additional wellbeing support for students.


Screenshot 2025-08-27 at 09.37.29.png
Victorian police are conducting a large-scale manhunt in Porepunkah for Dezi Freeman, a heavily armed self-proclaimed sovereign citizen, after he allegedly shot and killed two police officers and injured a third while they were serving a warrant for historic child sex abuse. Image source: 10 News / Youtube.



Police have also asked people not to travel into the area, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

Dezi Freeman, 56, is known to authorities as a 'sovereign citizen'—a term used for individuals who reject the legitimacy of government and law enforcement.

Freeman has reportedly expressed anti-police sentiments and conspiracy theories online, making him a person of significant concern for authorities.

The events that led to the current crisis began when police arrived at Freeman’s property to execute a search warrant related to alleged historic child sex abuse and unlicensed firearms.



According to reports, Freeman was inside a bus on his property when officers approached.

He allegedly opened fire with a shotgun, resulting in the deaths of a 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old senior constable. A third officer was injured but is expected to recover.

After the shooting, Freeman fled into the rugged bushland surrounding Porepunkah. Police believe he is still armed and potentially in possession of the slain officers’ weapons and radios, which could allow him to monitor police communications.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush described Freeman as 'obviously a very dangerous person' and urged him to surrender peacefully. Bush also cofnirms that Freeman has access to 'lethal weapons' but could not determine if he had taken the officer’s weapons.


Screenshot 2025-08-27 at 09.36.36.png
Police confirmed that Freeman’s wife and children are safe and not involved in the incident. Image source: 10 News / Youtube.



'We have hundreds of police resources assigned to this very important task,' Mr Bush said. 'My message to that person is give yourself up so that the community can be at peace and we can have this matter resolved peacefully.'

NSW Police on the Albury/Wodonga border are also on high alert, ready to assist if Freeman attempts to cross state lines.

The shockwaves from this tragedy have been felt far beyond Porepunkah. Leaders from across the political spectrum have expressed their condolences and support for the police and the affected families.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan called the incident 'shocking and utterly heartbreaking', while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, 'all Australians are mourning with the families, loved ones and colleagues' of the officers.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley also paid tribute, acknowledging the bravery and sacrifice of the police officers involved. The incident has served as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement every day.



For those unfamiliar with the term, 'sovereign citizens' are individuals who believe they are not subject to government laws or regulations.

This movement, which has gained traction in various countries including Australia, often leads to confrontations with authorities, particularly over issues like licensing, taxation, and law enforcement.


Source: 10 News / Youtube.​


While most adherents are non-violent, some have been involved in serious criminal incidents, as this case tragically demonstrates.

If you live in or near the affected area, please follow all police instructions and stay indoors until further notice.

Avoid unnecessary travel and keep an eye on official updates from Victoria Police and local authorities. If you see anything suspicious, do not approach—contact police immediately.

Read more: 'This is exactly why I am exposing them': Former officer blows whistle over 'twisted game' by the police

Key Takeaways

  • Victorian police are conducting a large-scale manhunt in Porepunkah for Dezi Freeman, a heavily armed self-proclaimed sovereign citizen, after he allegedly shot and killed two police officers and injured a third while they were serving a warrant for historic child sex abuse.
  • Residents of Porepunkah and the surrounding area have been told to stay indoors, with primary schools closed and extra wellbeing support offered to students at reopened secondary schools, as police warn the suspect is extremely dangerous and still at large in the bushland.
  • Tributes and condolences have poured in from leaders nationwide, including the Premier, Prime Minister, and Opposition Leader, expressing deep sorrow and solidarity with the fallen officers’ families, colleagues, and the affected community.
  • Police confirmed that Freeman’s wife and children are safe and not involved in the incident, and that every available specialist police resource is being used in the ongoing search, with the public urged not to travel to the area until the manhunt is resolved.

Have you ever experienced a lockdown or emergency in your community? How do you feel about the risks faced by police officers in Australia today? Share your thoughts, stories, or messages of support in the comments below!

We’ll keep you updated as more information comes to light. Stay safe, everyone.
 
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Al I can hope for here is that this idiot sovereign citizen gets cornered and makes a stand and the police shoot the bastard dead on the spot
on top of that the ethical standards mob take a long holiday on the case
Police are there to protect us all and to carry out their court appointed duties and when some one believes they are not subject to our laws and kills the police, I am sorry but I have no time for them and he deserves exactly what I hope he gets-- any one that gets offended -- too bad so sad-- don't make a snowflake excuse for the moron
 
I have family in the police force. I don't want him to get shot; I want him to know what it feels like every day to lose his freedom. I want him to know what the law feels like, and how it feels to miss his wife and kids.
I hope he spends the rest of his life in prison with no privileges whatsoever.
 
I have family in the police force. I don't want him to get shot; I want him to know what it feels like every day to lose his freedom. I want him to know what the law feels like, and how it feels to miss his wife and kids.
I hope he spends the rest of his life in prison with no privileges whatsoever.
I can appreciate your feelings completely but a live killer of police is a menace and a an extreme cost to society so it is better for all if he is just deleted by the force that he despised.
 
So tragic my heart goes out to the families of the officers killed R.I.P. 😥
 
Such a tragedy, those police went to work to never return.
My thoughts and prayers are with the officers family.

I think they will find him dead
 
I have family in the police force. I don't want him to get shot; I want him to know what it feels like every day to lose his freedom. I want him to know what the law feels like, and how it feels to miss his wife and kids.
I hope he spends the rest of his life in prison with no privileges whatsoever.
My daughter did 2 years at uni completing a Bachelor of Police. She was accepted to go to the police academy when she found out she was pregnant.
I did not and still dont want her joining the police force.
She now has two little ones and said she still wants to join the force. Hopefully I can talk her out if it.
She can go into other fields like social work or border force
 
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I just wonder if the new Police Commissioner has given the order, "Shoot To Kill". I just hope that he has the "Balls" to give that direction. If he hasn't, he may as well pack his bags & piss off back to NZ.

Who in hell wants to pay for this ARSEHOLE'S bed, 3 meals /day with all medical & dentals free of cost.

What a complete bloody joke that would be.

For the cost of a "Slug", could well save the Victorian government a few million bucks at least, for how many years ?

Suzanne roses comment may be proven to be right, which I certainly hope so, to wit, "I think they will find him dead".

I certainly hope that you're correct, "Sweety".
 
Al I can hope for here is that this idiot sovereign citizen gets cornered and makes a stand and the police shoot the bastard dead on the spot
on top of that the ethical standards mob take a long holiday on the case
Police are there to protect us all and to carry out their court appointed duties and when some one believes they are not subject to our laws and kills the police, I am sorry but I have no time for them and he deserves exactly what I hope he gets-- any one that gets offended -- too bad so sad-- don't make a snowflake excuse for the moron
Hi Free.lander,

I just absolutely agree with your comments.
I just hope he gets a gut full of slugs, just to make sure.
 
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Such a tragedy, those police went to work to never return.
My thoughts and prayers are with the officers family.

I think they will find him dead
I think his wife and children would be terrified right now.
 
I think his wife and children would be terrified right now.
I thought they were being held hostage but I just read online that they turned up at the police station safe and well. So that’s a good thing isn’t it🌞
 
My daughter did 2 years at uni completing a Bachelor of Police. She was accepted to go to the police academy when she found out she was pregnant.
I did not and still dont want her joining the police force.
She now has two little ones and said she still wants to join the force. Hopefully I can talk her out if it.
She can go into other fields like social work or border force
My youngest daughter is in Goulburn now, not sure how I feel, happy for her or worried.
 
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My youngest daughter is in Goulburn now, not sure how I feel, happy for her or worried.
That's where my daughter was going.

We have friends who are in the force and told me to talk her out of it.

Steph is amazing at solving problems and calming people down but she is really soft.

Because she did a 3 year uni degree it can take her in other areas of the force.

I have never been happy with her career choice but I have to accept it
 

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