"The whereabouts of the suspected cop-killer from Victoria are widely recognized"

In the heart of Victoria's wilderness, a manhunt for a 46-year-old man from Starnberg district is underway, entering its sixth day. The man, who escaped a police control in a VW Caddy on August 27, 2025, in Weilheim-Schongau, is not connected to the arrested 61-year-old man from Bright, according to the latest search results.

The arrest of the 61-year-old man at Bright, outside Porepunkah, is in relation to the search for Dezi Freeman, who is accused of killing Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35. Freeman's wife, Amalia Freeman, and their 15-year-old son were arrested at a Porepunkah home last week.

The manhunt is being conducted in blizzard-like conditions, with hundreds of police officers from Victoria and interstate involved. A police bus has been set up in the town of Bright, 10 minutes' drive from Porepunkah, to gather information. Locals are encouraged to drop by and speak to police at the bus.

The man, who has been charged with possessing an imitation firearm and a drug of dependence, allegedly had weapons and cannabis with him. He told Seven News he had never met Dezi Freeman.

Freeman, a self-described "sovereign citizen," is the founder of an online group dedicated to sustainability and hunting. More than 450 pieces of information have been received in connection to the search for Freeman.

The online group, which has approximately 45,000 members, is not believed to be directly involved in the manhunt. Premier Jacinta Allan, Police Commissioner Mike Bush, and other leaders observed a moment of silence in Melbourne to honour the fallen officers.

Funeral arrangements are being finalized for both slain officers. De Waart's funeral is scheduled for Friday, while Thompson's funeral will take place on September 8. Both funerals will be held at the Victoria Police Academy with full police honours and will not be open to the public.

The incident occurred at Freeman's property in Porepunkah, about 300km northeast of Melbourne. The search continues in the hope of apprehending Freeman and bringing justice to the families of the slain officers.