Dezi Freeman’s son has broken his silence, warning the alleged cop killer can survive for weeks without food and even compared him to the movie character Rambo.
Freeman, 56, is accused of fatally shooting two detectives and injuring a third in Porepunkah, northeast Victoria on the morning of August 26, as they arrived to issue a search warrant over alleged historic child sex offences.
The self-described sovereign citizen escaped into dense bushland near his property while heavily armed, and has managed to evade capture for nearly two weeks, despite a large-scale manhunt involving hundreds of police and the Australian Defence Force.
His son Koah Freeman spoke to News Corp for the first time, and offered his condolences the victims’ loved ones over the weekend.
“On behalf of myself and the rest of my family, our hearts go out to the fallen officers’ family. We never wanted it to end like this,” he said.
He added that the family had been cooperating fully with police and denied knowing his father’s whereabouts.
Despite suggestions that Freeman may be receiving help or shelter from a supporter, Koah said he had “no doubt, no doubt at all”, that his father is capable of surviving on his own.
“I’m not sure if you have ever seen the movie Rambo, especially the first Rambo movie. It’s like that but 10 times’ capacity.”
The 1982 film follows the character Rambo, former soldier with PTSD who flees into the wilderness and uses survival skills to evade police – a comparison Koah believes reflects his father’s current situation.
Koah also warned that Freeman could go “weeks” without food and had easy access to water in the bush. He said he wasn’t aware of whether his father had pre-stored supplies.
While Koah said he is close to both his parents, he made it clear that he would never turn out like his father.
On Saturday, Victoria Police announced a $1 million reward – the largest ever offered in the state – for information leading to Freeman’s arrest.
“At this time, there is nothing to indicate Freeman is being assisted by a specific person, however given the difficult terrain and the requirement for various supplies this remains a possibility,” police said in a statement.
“Police are also open to the possibilities that he remains at large alone or is dead as a result of self-harm.”
Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Dean Thomas confirmed the reward is being offered for Freeman’s arrest, not conviction.
The 56-year-old was last seen wearing dark green khaki tracksuit pants, a dark green rain jacket, brown Blundstone boots and reading glasses.
Police have urged the public not to attempt to approach or search for Freeman, who is considered armed and dangerous. Residents in Porepunkah have been told to stay alert and report any suspicious behaviour.
“We believe this investigation will only be brought to resolution through assistance from members of the public,” Detective Inspector Thomas said.
“This could be sightings of Freeman, information you’re hearing in your local communities, even suspicious activity on your property – whatever it is, we want you to tell us.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Images: 9News/ news.com.au
