No-fly zone extended, heavy police presence remains in hunt for accused gunman
Share this @internewscast.com

The Australia Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) granted a no-fly extension today.

The no-fly zone is within an 18 kilometre radius of Porepunkah Airport and it includes all aircraft, including drones.

Police searching operation takes place at the Porepunkah Airfield on Sunday afternoon. 7 September 2025. Photo: Eddie Jim.
Police searching operation takes place at the Porepunkah Airfield on September 7. (Eddie Jim)

The ban was initially established due to police suspicion that Freeman remains armed and poses a risk to aircraft.

The manhunt for accused cop killer Freeman has now entered its 28th day.

A heavy police presence remains on the ground in Porepunkah, neighbouring town Bright and the greater Victorian alpine region.

Victoria Police said crews are committed to using “every available resource and the necessary skills” needed to find Freeman.

“Resourcing numbers will continue to fluctuate in-line with operational requirements,” a police spokesperson said.

Police last week lifted travel warnings for Porepunkah, however reminded residents and visitors to remain vigilant.

Police staging area in Ovens. (Nine)

Members of the public had been earlier advised to avoid the small town in Victoria’s north-east.

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Russell Barrett said the move was to enable local residents to “return to a state of normality”.

Police anticipate visitor numbers will increase over the school holiday period.

Locals breathed a collective sigh of relief as the normally thriving town struggled for nearly three weeks under major travel restrictions.

“It’s been hard, we lost I’m guessing, in the 20 thousands in turnover,” Cherry Walk Cafe owner Leanne Boyd told 9News.

The Mount Buffalo National Park remains closed.

“This decision is being constantly assessed and we will advise as soon as the park can re-open,” Victoria Police said in a statement.

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

Freeman, 56, has not been officially seen since August 26 when he allegedly gunned down officers Neal Thompson, 59, and 34-year-old Vadim De Waart-Hottart.

A $1 million reward was offered for any information leading to the arrest of the accused gunman, the largest of any offered in the state.

Superintendent Craig Darlow last week said police have been given 200 tips since the reward was announced.

Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said he remains open to all possibilities in regards to the whereabouts of Freeman and said the reward was “just another avenue” in the hunt.

Police have received more than 1000 tips from the public so far.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Tragic Shooting: 27-Year-Old Man Targets High School Cheerleader and Three Others

Left: Steven Tyler Whitehead (Jefferson County Sheriff”s Office). Right: Kimber Mills (GoFundMe).…

Tragic Road Rage Incident: Woman Allegedly Shoots Driver Over Honking Dispute

Inset: Deborah Benefiel (Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department). Background: Intersection of West 38th…

Tragic Discovery: Woman with MS Found Deceased in Deplorable Conditions

Authorities in Pennsylvania have launched an investigation into the tragic death of…

Chilling Discovery: Son’s Diary Reveals Plan Prior to Parents’ Tragic Deaths

Inset: Erik Metzig in court for his sentencing hearing on Oct. 17…

Unveiling the Drama: Inside DOJ’s High-Stakes Alina Habba Legal Showdown

Left: Alina Habba walks off stage after speaking before Republican presidential nominee…

FBI Intensifies Search for Missing 9-Year-Old Melodee Buzzard in California; Mother’s Lack of Cooperation Raises Concerns

The FBI has stepped in to assist in the ongoing search for…

Duo Caught in Foiled Robbery Attempt

Staff Report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Early this morning, authorities apprehended Leeandra Morris,…

Tragic Shooting: Father of Four Killed in Front of Family, Leaving Community in Shock

Background: News footage of the scene on Oct. 10 where William Tatum…

Newlywed Husband Sentenced for Wife’s Murder Just Two Weeks After Wedding

Main, left to right: Cassidy Ritchie (Tulsa Police Dept.) and Chris E.…

Georgia Family Alerts Authorities to Man Planning Attack at Atlanta Airport

Authorities apprehended a Georgia man on Monday morning at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International…

Smugglers Sentenced for $17 Million Drug Trafficking Scheme Involving ‘Black Flight

Two members of a notorious drug syndicate, known for their “black flight”…

Road Rage Tragedy: Indiana Woman Fatally Shoots Driver Over Traffic Light Dispute

An Indiana woman faces murder charges following an alleged act of road…