A significant police operation took place in the Victorian towns of Benalla and Goomalibee, about 100km from Porepunkah, yesterday.
Police have now confirmed a property was searched in Goomalibee and a man was “intercepted” in Undera.
The property has since been cleared and police confirmed the man had no involvement with the shooting nor any link to the investigation.
“The property that was searched in Goomalibee has been cleared and a man, who was intercepted in Undera, has also been confirmed as not involved,” police said in a statement this morning.
“He has been cleared of any link to our current investigation.
“The enquiries yesterday formed part of our ongoing investigation and continued work by detectives to work through all avenues of enquiry.”
Freeman has not been seen since August 26, when police carrying out a search warrant on his property were met with a hail of gunfire.
Two officers, Neal Thompson and Vadim de Waart-Hottart, were killed, and a third was injured.
Freeman, who has links to the disparate “sovereign citizen” movement, is suspected to have carried out the shooting and fled with the weapons he used.
Victoria Police recently scaled down the search operation, with more than 200 officers remaining in the area – down from nearly 500 in the wake of the shooting.
“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,” Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said on Monday.
It’s been previously speculated Freeman may have been receiving support and assistance from somebody in the area, and police have also characterised him as a skilled outdoorsman.
A $1 million reward has been offered for information leading to Freeman’s arrest.
