On Monday, authorities are reigniting a major search effort to locate Dezi Freeman—or his remains—nearly two months after their previous extensive search for the elusive suspect concluded without success.

On August 26, officers Neal Thompson and Vadim de Waart-Hottart were tragically gunned down while executing a warrant at Freeman’s residence in the quaint Victorian town of Porepunkah. Following the incident, which also left a third officer wounded, Freeman is believed to have escaped into the thick surrounding bushland.

Although over 400 officers were initially deployed in the aftermath of the shootings, no sign of the 56-year-old fugitive was discovered.

Detective Senior Constable Thompson, aged 59, had been on the brink of retirement, mere days away, while Senior Constable de Waart-Hottart, 34, was temporarily assigned to the area.

The latest search operation will span five days and focus on Mount Buffalo National Park, including its remote areas, situated approximately 300 kilometers northeast of Melbourne.

Participating in the renewed search will be over 100 personnel, including members of the Search and Rescue Squad, Critical Incident Response Team, Dog Squad, and Drone Units, who will collaborate with local law enforcement and Taskforce Summit investigators.

The renewed search will include more than 100 people, including police from the Search and Rescue Squad, Critical Incident Response Team, Dog Squad and Drone Units who will work alongside local police and Taskforce Summit investigators.

A NSW Police cadaver dog will also be used.

In December last year, police spent five days systematically searching an area just shy of a square kilometre in thick bush and heavy terrain conducting line searches and clearing caves.

This week’s search focuses on an area adjoining the location of that previous search.

Investigators in December revealed they had shifted their search efforts to locating the body of the self-described “sovereign citizen“, however a five-day effort to scour the bush with cadaver dogs and drones yielded nothing.

Detectives from Taskforce Summit, formed in October, have investigated thousands of pieces of intelligence, including numerous tip-offs from the public.

Detective Inspector Adam Tilley said locating Freeman remains the taskforce’s number one priority.

“There is no doubt that everyone involved wants an answer and I want to reaffirm that Victoria Police remains committed to doing everything we can to locate Desmond Freeman and get that answer.”

$1 million reward and possible indemnity

People in the area have been advised to remain vigilant and not approach the fugitive, who is considered armed and dangerous, in the event of a sighting.

Victoria Police have offered a $1 million reward and the possibility of indemnity for information leading to his capture — the largest reward in the state’s history for facilitating an arrest.

Detective Tilley said police believe information from the community will be crucial in resolving the matter, and urged people to come forward with any information.

“What we want most is to see this through to resolution and hopefully provide answers and some level of comfort to Neal and Vadim’s families, the other police impacted and the wider community.”

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