Victoria Police have announced a record $1 million reward for information leading to the arrest of fugitive Dezi Freeman, who is accused of killing two officers and injuring a third during a confrontation in Victoria’s north-east last month.
The 56-year-old has been on the run since August 26 after police executed a search warrant for historical sex offences at his property near Porepunkah. Authorities allege Freeman opened fire, fatally shooting two officers before fleeing on foot armed with multiple weapons.
The sum is the largest reward ever offered in Victoria to facilitate an arrest. While rewards of $1 million have been posted before, they have only applied in cases where information led to a conviction.
Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said the unprecedented offer underscored police determination to capture Freeman.
“Our aim in offering this reward is that it will lead someone out there, who may not have been willing to come forward until this time, to contact police,” he said. “There is no doubt that up to a million dollars is a life-changing amount of money for anyone and has the potential to completely change their circumstances.”
Inspector Thomas rejected suggestions that the move reflected a stalled investigation, saying the reward was always an option.
“It’s not an act of desperation and it’s far from it. What we want is information.”
More than 450 officers remain deployed in the mountainous terrain surrounding Porepunkah, where freezing overnight temperatures and rugged caves and mineshafts complicate the search. Specialist teams have been tasked with scouring these areas, but there have been no confirmed sightings of Freeman since the day of the shooting.
Police believe several scenarios are possible, including that Freeman is receiving help, surviving alone in the bush, or has died.
Freeman was last seen wearing khaki tracksuit pants, a dark green rain jacket, brown Blundstone boots and reading glasses.
Inspector Thomas also issued a direct appeal to Freeman, urging him to surrender.
“If Freeman does see this, I ask that he come into a police station. He contact somebody to facilitate a surrender plan. You will not get away with this if you are out there. You will be caught – it’s just about when.”
Police warned members of the public not to attempt to locate Freeman themselves, stressing the reward is for information only.
Anyone with information about Freeman’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppers.com.au.
Images: ABC, A Current Affair
