Police have arrested two people as the hunt for alleged cop killer and self-proclaimed sovereign citizen Dezi Freeman continues.
Authorities confirmed the arrests on Friday morning, August 29, 2025, as the manhunt for the 56-year-old enters its fourth day.
“Fugitive Squad detectives, along with Special Operations Group members, attended a Porepunkah address about 8.40pm (Thursday),” a police spokesperson said.
“A 42-year-old woman and 15-year-old boy were safely arrested at the address and taken into custody.
“The Porepunkah pair were interviewed and released pending further inquiries.
“Extensive searches remain ongoing for the offender Desmond Filby, also known as Desmond Freeman, whose location remains unknown.
“We urge the public in and around the township of Porepunkah to remain vigilant and report any sightings or suspicious behaviour by calling triple-0.”
The search for Freeman, who had been hiding in dense bushland outside Porepunkah, moved into the township on Thursday night, August 28, 2025, when police targeted a house on Chandler Circuit.
As the wide-scale sweep neared its fourth day overnight, officers used a loudspeaker to order anyone inside to “come out with nothing in your hands.”
The house marks a shift in the search for the heavily armed gunman, who allegedly shot three police officers on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, killing two.
Police spent three days scouring thick bushland around Freeman’s rural property. The search at Chandler Circuit marked the first major action targeting potential hiding spots in the township.
Media report the house is linked to a family member of Freeman’s.
Senior Constable Paul Hogan said the police force had been moved by widespread support following the deaths of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart.
“It’s overwhelming and my colleagues could not appreciate it more,” he told 3AW.
Constables De Waart and Thompson were fatally shot on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, as they and eight other officers from the sexual offences and child abuse investigation team served a warrant on Freeman. A third officer was shot in the leg and is recovering in hospital.
Freeman reportedly legally changed his surname from Filby in line with his sovereign citizen ideology.
His family released a statement to Seven News, saying they were “actively assisting police with their investigation and are providing details of our knowledge of the area and property.”
“We are devastated, heartbroken and sickened by the loss of two police officers,” they said.
“Decades ago, Dezi detached himself from us in both name and ideology.
“We stand with the brave members of Victoria police and the families of the murdered officers.”
Following the shooting at Freeman’s property on Tuesday morning, the experienced bushman fled towards Mount Buffalo National Park.
Heavy rain, thick cloud cover, and frigid temperatures have persisted throughout the week, with conditions expected to get colder in the coming days.
NSW Police Special Operations Group have been assisting their Victorian counterparts on the ground.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed national resources were available to assist police.
“What’s occurred here is that we have offered the Premier, Jacinta Allan, every support that is required. And this is a full-court press,” the Prime Minister said.
“This guy clearly is dangerous. He’s on the run and we want him caught. And we want people who are traumatised in that northeast community of Victoria to feel safe again.
“Porepunkah is a small community and this has devastated them. It’s devastated the families of the police officers who’ve lost their lives. And of course it’s devastated as well.”
Mr Albanese emphasised the dangers of police work.
“The entire police family, the police have a bond and it’s a reminder of all of us that the men and women who put on blue to defend us and to look after safety in our local communities, take a risk each and every day, so they are heroes,” he said.
“Detective Thompson and Senior Constable De Waart are heroes, and we also give our thoughts to those who have been injured during this incident.”
Images: 7NEWS
