Police scale back manhunt for accused cop killer Dezi Freeman
Share this @internewscast.com

The number of police on the ground in Porepunkah looking for alleged cop killer Dezi Freeman has been scaled back significantly since the shooting over a month ago.

There has been no official sighting of Freeman after he allegedly killed officers Neal Thompson, 59, and Vadim De Waart-Hottart, 34, at a semi-rural property in Victoria’s High Country on August 26.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush today said the number of officers still in Porepunkah remained at over 200, marking less than half the amount of authorities that were combing the area for Freeman weeks ago.

Dezi Freeman
Dezi Freeman has not been seen since August 26. (9News)

Bush provided an update on the man hunt during a memorial for fallen officers in Melbourne today, where he said police officers around the country are still “hurting”.

“At the height we had nearly 500 officers up there conducting the search, investigating and providing reassurance to the community,” Bush said.

“At the moment, we have in excess of 200 officers there.

“We will continue to rotate police officers through there, a) conducting searches, b) continuing the investigation and c) providing reassurance to the community who needs it.”

Police during manhunt for accused gunman Dezi Freeman
Police searching a small cave during manhunt for accused gunman Freeman. (9News)

Bush said police have so far searched 40-square-kilometre area by foot and air to find Freeman.

The month-long search has involved mineshafts, caves, huts and properties in Porepunkah and surrounding regions.

“It’s extremely challenging. We have to often revisit things we’ve already searched to make sure we haven’t missed anything,” Bush added.

“And we will not give up until we find that person.”

Porepunkah where Dezi Freeman lives cover in morning fog. 9 September 2025. Photo: Eddie Jim.
Porepunkah seen covered in morning fog on September 9. (Eddie Jim)
Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Mike Bush
Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Mike Bush. (9News)

He said other state police forces, as well as New Zealand, have offered support in the continued search for Freeman.

Bush said crews on the ground will continue to utilise their resources.

After offering a reward of $1 million for any information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible, there has been an uptick in tips from the public.

About 1400 pieces of information have been given by members of the public.

“None of them have lead to any positive leads, but we explore them,” Bush said.

Police are still pursuing a number of theories regarding Freeman’s whereabouts.

Bush told reporters police still can’t rule out anything.

“We will pursue all of those likelihoods,” he said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Police Search for Suspect in Double Mosque Burglary, $20K Stolen

A man is sought after two burglaries at a Melbourne mosque this…

Man Taken into Custody After Pursuing Girlfriend with Knife

Staff report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Moises Ramiro Lopez-Zenteno, 36, was arrested yesterday…

4-Year-Old Girl Fatally Shot During Home Invasion: Police Report

Above: Alleged shooters Bryan Salazar and Isaiah Perales firing at the Texas…

Cops: Couple Issued 277-Page ‘Kill List’ with Threats

Left: Jolene Harms. Right: Jonathan Harms (Ada County Sheriff”s Office). A couple…

Veteran of the US Marines Fires on Waterfront Bar from Boat, Resulting in 3 Deaths

A boater pulled alongside a North Carolina waterfront bar Saturday night and…

Jonesville Residents Urged to Share Surveillance Footage in Response to Recent Car Break-Ins

From Alachua County Sheriff’s Office social media post ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. –…

Man Fatally Attacked by Husband While Aiding Wife in Altercation: Police

Inset left: Justice Oney (Barberton Police Department). Inset right: Nathan Flight (GoFundMe).…

Tragic Incident: Young Child Fatally Shot at Birthday Celebration

Top inset: Rylo Yancy (FBI). Bottom insets, from left to right: Tyler…

Man Detained After Hour-Long Standoff and Stabbing Incident in Western Sydney

Police have stormed a unit and arrested a man after an hour…

Shooting at Mormon Church in U.S. Injures Several

A gunman opened fire inside a Mormon church in Michigan during Sunday…

Teen Fatally Stabs Friend Over 30 Times and Dismembers Body

Share copy link Inset: Ivan Vetecnik (GoFundMe). Background: Police in Salt Lake…

Arsonists Strike Adelaide Cafes in ‘Malicious and Devastating’ Incidents

Security cameras have tracked a gang of four arsonists hitting two businesses…