A GUNMAN who allegedly killed two police officers could be hiding in a cave as his family handed themselves in.
A major manhunt is ongoing for Dezi Bird Freeman, 56, who allegedly executed three officers “execution style” during a search warrant at a property in Porepunkah, Australia on Tuesday morning.
Police sources informed the Herald Sun that it was a “straight-out execution” when Freeman reportedly used a shotgun as officers entered a bus where he and his family reside.
A 59-year-old detective, just days from retirement, and a 35-year-old senior constable were killed in the horror attack.
A third officer, meanwhile, was shot in the thigh and is undergoing surgery in a Melbourne hospital.
The remaining seven members of the 10-officer team were unharmed.
The search for the alleged killer persisted on Wednesday as his family, initially feared kidnapped by Freeman, surrendered to authorities late on Tuesday.
Freeman’s whereabouts, meanwhile, remain unknown with cops believing he may have fled into the nearby dense bush.
The 45-year-old is familiar to police, having frequent court appearances for driving and traffic violations, defying police, and verbally attacking a judge during a roadside drug-test case last year.
In 2021, he was arrested at an anti-government protest. He has also previously compared police to Nazis.
Reports from Australian outlets indicate that Freeman identifies as a “sovereign citizen,” part of a fringe group that denies the legitimacy of Australian laws and government.
Commonly referred to as “SovCits,” supporters have been present in Australia for decades, and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) previously labeled them as largely harmless.
But the movement has gained traction in recent years, fuelled by pandemic-era mistrust, and a 2023 AFP briefing note warned it has “an underlying capacity to inspire violence”.
Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush confirmed that ten officers went to the Porepunkah property around 10.30am on Tuesday to execute a search warrant when shots were fired.
He said: “They were fired upon. The two deceased officers are still at the scene. A third officer was seriously injured and is currently in surgery in hospital.”
Bush said the other officers on scene were uninjured, but stressed the incident was “still active and ongoing”.
“We have deployed all specialist resources into the area to arrest the person responsible… [they] are currently there looking for this person.”
That includes homicide detectives, the Armed Crime Squad, the Fugitive Squad and specialist police units.
Ambulance Victoria confirmed one person with serious lower-body injuries was flown to hospital in a stable condition.
The attack unfolded in Porepunkah, a small Alpine town of about 1,000 residents, located 186 miles north-east of Melbourne.
The local primary school was placed into lockdown and the Alpine shire council closed all public facilities “effective immediately”.
Alpine shire mayor Sarah Nicholas said it had been an “unsettling” and “emotional” afternoon for the small community.
“Today has been a day of deep sorrow and shock for our community… We are grieving together,” she said in a statement, paying tribute to the officers killed and offering “thoughts, love and unwavering” support to their families.
“We hold our police in the highest regard. They serve with courage, compassion, and dedication, and their loss is felt profoundly across our region,” she added.
Nicholas also thanked teachers at the nearby school for keeping children calm during the lockdown, and locals for heeding police instructions. She closed with a plea: “Please stay safe.”
Prime minister Anthony Albanese said: “Our thoughts are with the police for the work they do, each and every day.
Who are Australia’s ‘sovereign citizens’ ?
“SOVEREIGN citizens” – often called SovCits – are part of a fringe movement that falsely claims individuals can opt out of Australian law and government authority.
Followers often argue they are not bound by taxes, licences, fines, or court rulings.
The movement has existed in Australia for decades, borrowing heavily from conspiracy theories in the US.
While always on the margins, SovCits became more visible during the Covid pandemic, when mistrust in government and police surged.
Although many adherents are non-violent, police say confrontations can escalate when SovCits refuse to recognise authority.
Some have clashed with officers over property disputes, traffic stops, and legal orders.
The Australian Federal Police has warned the movement has “an underlying capacity to inspire violence.”
A 2023 AFP briefing note said SovCits are becoming more organised, using social media to spread their views and recruit supporters.
Authorities say numbers remain small but pockets of activity have been reported in regional areas.
Most activity involves disruptive legal claims and anti-government rhetoric — but some adherents have been linked to armed standoffs and violent threats.
“The men and women who wear the uniform of the police force, take risks each and every day.”
Premier Jacinta Allan told parliament: “Victoria police officers and all of our first responders show extraordinary bravery and courage every single day. They are the best of us.”
A large police operation remains underway in Porepunkah, with about 50 officers and a police dog reported at the scene.
The local airfield has been shut to the public to allow emergency access.
Meanwhile, locals are being warned to stay indoors, with PCC Bush saying: “I want to further assure the rural community around Bright that we will do everything to bring this person into custody so that your community is safe.
“Can I please ask you just to stay at home, not go out and about at the moment, until this operation is concluded?
“I’m leaving now to head to the area to support our officers and support the operation.”
