Australia Offers $1M Reward in Manhunt for Police Shooting Suspect
Victoria Police offers unprecedented Aus$1 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Desmond Freeman, accused of killing two officers in a shooting incident that has sparked a massive manhunt.
Victoria Police officers conduct search operations in dense forest near Porepunkah for shooting suspect Desmond Freeman
Victoria Police Launch Major Operation with Record Reward
In an unprecedented move highlighting escalating security concerns in Victoria, Australian authorities have offered a record Aus$1 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Desmond Freeman, accused of killing two police officers. This development comes as law enforcement faces mounting security challenges across the nation.
Tragic Incident Claims Two Officers
The incident resulted in the deaths of detective Neal Thompson, 59, and senior constable Vadim De Waart, 35, with a third officer requiring surgery for lower body injuries. The shooting occurred when officers arrived at Freeman's residence with a search warrant, marking one of the most serious law enforcement incidents in recent Victorian history.
Extensive Search Operation Continues
More than 450 police officers have been deployed in the search operation around the small town of Porepunkah, where dense forest, mine shafts, and caves complicate the manhunt. Victoria police homicide squad's detective inspector Dean Thomas emphasized that the reward amount could be "life-changing" for potential informants.
"There is no doubt that Aus$1 million is a significant amount of money for anybody, and it will have lifelong changes to people's circumstances," stated Detective Inspector Thomas.
Multiple Scenarios Under Investigation
Authorities are pursuing various possibilities regarding Freeman's whereabouts, including:
- Independent survival in the wilderness
- Potential assistance from others
- Possibility of self-harm
The case has drawn national attention and raised questions about security infrastructure and response protocols across Australian jurisdictions. The last confirmed sighting of Freeman was on the day of the incident, with no reported contact since.
Jack Thompson
Reporter based in Sydney, Jack covers climate issues, migration policies, and Australia's Indo-Pacific strategy.