Victoria Police: Dezi Freeman Shooting Justified, Reveals Investigation

Victoria Police Confirm “Justified” Shooting of Fugitive Dezi Freeman

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush has provided an update following the fatal shooting of fugitive Dezi Freeman, stating that the incident was “justified.” Freeman had been on the run for over seven months after allegedly fatally shooting Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart, 34, on August 26. He subsequently fled into bushland, sparking a prolonged and extensive manhunt.

Victoria Police confirmed on March 30, around 8:30 am, that a man had been fatally shot, and importantly, no officers sustained any injuries during the operation.

Speaking to the media at the Victoria Police Centre in Docklands, Chief Commissioner Bush explained the sensitive nature of informing the families of the fallen officers. He revealed that the families of Detective Leading Senior Constable Thompson and Senior Constable De Waart-Hottart were the first to be notified of the operation’s conclusion.

While the identity of the deceased was not explicitly named during the press conference, Chief Commissioner Bush referred to the event as “closure to a tragic and terrible event.” He extended his commendation to the investigation team, acknowledging their “professionalism, perseverance, and diligence to bring this to a conclusion.”

The Chief Commissioner also took the opportunity to recognise the communities of Porepunkah and surrounding areas. He thanked them for their “patience and perseverance” throughout the prolonged search and acknowledged the significant impact Freeman’s evasion had on the region and Victoria as a whole.

When addressing media questions, Chief Commissioner Bush indicated that there was still a “great deal of information” yet to be officially confirmed. He noted that while there was “a lot to suggest” Freeman may have taken his own life, the investigation would remain ongoing with an open mind.

According to Chief Commissioner Bush, the shooting occurred after a standoff. He stated that the individual was given an opportunity to surrender “peacefully” and was appealed to come forward, but these appeals were not heeded. He elaborated that the initial plan was to achieve a “peaceful” conclusion to the incident. “We don’t determine how they act,” he added. Chief Commissioner Bush “strongly believed” that the man was armed, though this report remained unconfirmed at the time of the conference. A crime scene was established at the location, and police were in contact with Freeman’s family. The official confirmation of the man’s identity was anticipated within the next 24 to 48 hours.

Prior to his death, Chief Commissioner Bush revealed that investigators had pursued more than 2,000 leads regarding Freeman’s whereabouts. While some sightings were reported, none were verifiably confirmed. He stressed that it was “early days” in the investigation and that further updates would be provided as they became available. At the time of publication, no other individuals were in custody in connection with the incident.

Where was Dezi Freeman Apprehended?

Reports have confirmed that Dezi Freeman was located and subsequently shot dead at a substantial rural property in the Walwa area. This location is situated nearly 200 kilometres from the initial bushland where he had fled.

Following the news of Freeman’s death, initial reports suggested he had been hiding in a shipping container on a remote property. Chief Commissioner Bush has since confirmed that the structure was “very similar” in nature, describing it as a hybrid construction combining elements of a container and a caravan.

Community and Police Reactions to Dezi Freeman’s Death

The prolonged search for Dezi Freeman had escalated into what has been described as Australia’s largest tactical police operation, with a reward of $1 million offered for his arrest.

Following his death and preceding the press conference, Wayne Gatt, Secretary of the Police Association of Victoria, stated that the update represented a “step forward” for the families of the fallen officers. “Our members said they would find him. They did,” Gatt remarked in a statement. He further articulated, “Closure isn’t the right word. This represents a step forward for our members, the families of our fallen members, and the community. It doesn’t lessen the trauma, give back the futures that were callously stolen or lessen the collective fear and grief that this tragic event has instilled in police and the wider public.”

Gatt continued, “Today, we won’t reflect on the loss of a coward. We will remember the courage and bravery of our fallen members and every officer who has doggedly pursued this outcome for the community. They have worked tirelessly. During the emergency, in the operation that followed and the months thereafter, members across the state have devoted themselves to this singular pursuit.”

He concluded with a poignant reminder: “Days like today offer a sobering reminder that policing happens while you sleep, when the media spotlight on an investigation dims and when everything seems lost and forgotten. RIP Vadim and Neal. Today, we remember you.”