SUSPECT ON THE RUN AFTER AMBUSH OF AUSTRALIAN POLICE
A massive manhunt is currently underway for a “heavily armed” male suspect following a deadly ambush on two Australian police officers and the injury of another in a small rural town in Victoria.
Described as an “active incident,” the situation in Porepunkah, located in the Australian Alps about 300km north-east of Melbourne, has prompted the deployment of hundreds of personnel to track down the suspect.
Authorities were attacked while attempting to serve an arrest warrant for historical sex offences at the property, resulting in the suspect fleeing into the bush after the shooting. The man’s wife and children are still being sought by officers.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush revealed that the shooting occurred when 10 officers arrived at the property on Tuesday morning. Two officers were fatally shot, while a third officer sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to the hospital.
The police chief emphasized the urgency of capturing the “dangerous” suspect and advised residents to remain indoors for safety. The suspect is believed to have been alone during the incident, and authorities are still searching for his family.
Despite the risks involved, officers are committed to locating the suspect and bringing peace to the community. The police chief urged the gunman to surrender peacefully.
While details of the raid remain undisclosed, footage from the scene depicted a significant police presence in Porepunkah, with a police helicopter assisting in the search.
The town, with a population of approximately 1,000 residents, is part of the Alpine Shire local government area.
Local officials and government leaders expressed their condolences to the fallen officers and their families, acknowledging the bravery displayed by law enforcement in the face of danger.
As the manhunt continues, residents in the small community have been left shocked by the tragic events, highlighting the rarity of such incidents in the area.
Reports identify the suspect as Dezi Freeman, who claims to be a “sovereign citizen,” a group known for rejecting Australian laws and government authority. The resurgence of this movement in recent years has raised concerns among law enforcement agencies.
Despite Australia’s strict gun regulations, incidents like these draw parallels to a previous attack on police officers in Queensland in 2022, where two officers lost their lives.
