Reporting for 7NEWS Australia: police investigators have made a startling announcement in the search for Desi Freeman — the man accused of fatally shooting two police officers at a rural property. Authorities now believe someone is actively harbouring or assisting Freeman as he remains at large.
Table of Contents
- What police revealed at the press conference
- Timeline and current search efforts
- Public appeals and community information
- Family and acquaintances
- Why this matters
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
What police revealed at the press conference
At a public briefing, Victoria Police confirmed they have intelligence suggesting a person — possibly a member of the public, a friend or an acquaintance — is deliberately helping to hide Freeman from investigators. The force stopped short of detailing the evidence that led to that conclusion, but the disclosure underlines the seriousness of the manhunt and introduces new legal implications for anyone aiding a fugitive.
Timeline and current search efforts
This development comes seven days after the alleged shooting at a rural property in Port Pankaj, where two officers were reportedly killed and Freeman fled into bushland carrying multiple firearms — including, police say, one believed to be taken from an officer.
Search teams, including the Special Operations Group, have focused activity around Mount Buffalo National Park and the original property. Night-time raids on homes in the surrounding communities have already led to several arrests. Despite extensive searching, Freeman’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Public appeals and community information
Investigators say they have received more than 450 pieces of intelligence so far. Still, police expressed frustration that people who may know where Freeman is have not come forward. The cold conditions and recent snowfall in the region have only added urgency to the appeal.
"People know the whereabouts of a person who's killed two cops. People have chosen for whatever reason not to come forward, and I'm taking this time to appeal to you to come forward."
To support tips and local cooperation, police have set up an information caravan in Bright and are urging anyone with information to contact authorities immediately. Officers emphasised the legal consequences for anyone found to be shielding or assisting Freeman.
Family and acquaintances
Among the arrests connected to the investigation was Freeman’s wife. Police told reporters she has spoken with investigators but has not been sufficiently cooperative, drawing a distinction between speaking to police and actively cooperating with the inquiry.
What police are asking from the community
- Anyone with information about Desi Freeman’s whereabouts should contact Victoria Police immediately.
- People who may be sheltering or assisting him are warned they are committing a serious criminal offence.
- Locals in and around Mount Buffalo National Park and Bright are urged to look out for suspicious activity and report it to authorities.
Why this matters
The alleged killing of two police officers is a profound and distressing event for the Victorian community. The possibility that someone is actively harbouring the accused raises concerns about community safety and obstructs the work of investigators who are racing to locate Freeman and recover firearms believed to be in his possession.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q: Who is Desi Freeman?
A: Authorities have identified Desi Freeman as the suspect accused of killing two police officers at a rural property in Port Pankaj. He is currently wanted by Victoria Police and considered armed and dangerous.
Q: Where are police concentrating their search?
A: Search efforts have been concentrated around the Mount Buffalo National Park area and the rural property where the shooting occurred. The Special Operations Group and other units have been involved in targeted searches and raids.
Q: Have there been any arrests?
A: Yes. Police have carried out multiple arrests during the investigation, including an arrest of the suspect’s wife. Investigators have said she has spoken to police but has not been fully cooperative.
Q: What should someone do if they have information?
A: Contact Victoria Police immediately. Officers have also set up an information caravan in Bright to receive tips. Anyone deliberately hiding or assisting the suspect is committing a serious offence and should come forward through proper channels.
Q: Why haven't police disclosed what led them to believe someone is harbouring Freeman?
A: Investigators did not release details publicly, likely to protect operational integrity and ongoing lines of inquiry. Public appeals indicate they want potential witnesses or those assisting the fugitive to come forward voluntarily.
Conclusion
The hunt for Desi Freeman continues as Victoria Police intensify appeals to the public. With cold weather complicating search conditions and officers confirming someone may be sheltering the accused, police are urging anyone with relevant information to step forward. Community cooperation remains critical to resolving this dangerous incident and bringing those responsible to justice.
