Warning: This story contains images and details that some readers may find distressing.
Police say “disappointing” images showing the moments before two officers were shot dead came from a member of accused gunman Dezi Freeman’s family.
Freeman is accused of fatally shooting officers Neal Thompson, 59, and Vadim De Waart-Hottart, 34, while also wounding a third officer during an ambush at his property in Porepunkah, located in Victoria’s high country on August 26.
Freeman reportedly called officers “psychopaths” and “Nazis” and accused them of trespassing.
In the vision, it has been reported he also told the officers to “leave us alone” several times.
His wife was also reportedly heard asking police not to force entry into the bus.
Two loud noises believed to be gunshots then rang out.
The footage ended as officers are seen running for cover.
Victoria Police Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly told media today the images were taken by a member of Freeman’s family.
“That footage is not Victoria Police footage, is it not body-worn, it is by a member of the family of Desmond Freeman,” Kelly said.
“From a Victoria Police point of view, it is both distressing and disappointing
“I can only imagine the impact that has had on the family of Neal and Vadim and the colleagues that were present.”
Reward boosts tips from the public
The vision from August 26 has emerged as the manhunt for Freeman enters its 16th day.
Police have confirmed there has been no official sighting of the accused gunman during this time.
Superintendent Craig Darlow today said police have been given 200 tips since the reward was announced.
“We are exploring a number of matters, out of 1000 tips, a number are sightings, but not confirmed,” Darlow said.
Detective Inspector Dean Thomas stated over the weekend that he remains open to all possibilities regarding Freeman’s location and mentioned that the reward is “just another avenue” in the ongoing search.
Police have received over 1000 tips from the public so far.
Police searching caves and mineshafts for Freeman
The 16-day search for the accused gunman has involved mineshafts, caves, huts and properties.
Police said there have been over 4000 shifts and 2000 members of Victoria Police and other crews have taken part in the manhunt so far.
Of the theories about where Freeman is and if he is still alive, Darlow said “everything is on the table”.
He further explained, “We’re considering all scenarios, including the possibility that he may have taken his own life, might be hiding out in the hills, or could have escaped; we’re not excluding any options at the moment.”
“We will leave no stone unturned, he’s killed two of our members and shot a third.”
Kelly said police are prepared to continue searching for Freeman for “as long as it takes”.
”History sggests these types of operations take significant time,” he said.
“We need to be present, and we need to continue the search for him.”
Vadim De Waart-Hottart’s family visit Porepunkah
The family of slain officer Vadim De Waart-Hottart, 34, today arrived in Porepunkah for the first time since the shooting.
Kelly mentioned that his parents visited the Bright Police Station, where Waart-Hottart had been temporarily assigned, and had discussions with some of their son’s fellow officers.
“The attendance today was a real boost, if you like,” he said.
“It’s been a week of emotion for Victoria Police but I believe Vaidm’s parents’ attendance will hopefully assist them.
“It’s been a very distressing time for them, very emotional.”
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