Australian Defence Force Joins Week-Long Manhunt for Alleged Police Killer

The manhunt has entered its 8th day, with 450+ officers, ADF assets, and interstate police joining Victoria Police in the search.

A police helicopter circles a spot where some explosions were seen during a search for a Dezi Freeman, accused of the shooting murders of two police officers, in Porepunkah, Victoria in Australia on Aug. 28, 2025. William West/AFP via Getty Images

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has been called in to help track down Dezi Freeman, the fugitive accused of fatally shooting two police officers in Victoria’s north-east.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed that the ADF had supplied a planning expert and air surveillance equipment to bolster the search.

“We’ll continue to assist Victoria Police with the assets and capabilities we have, to make sure Dezi Freeman is brought to justice,” Marles told ABC’s 7.30 on Sept. 2.

Freeman, 56, allegedly opened fire on three officers as they tried to execute a warrant at his property near Porepunkah on Aug. 26. Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart were killed, while a third officer was seriously injured.

The long-time bushman disappeared into rugged alpine country after the attack. Police say he is well armed and knows the terrain better than most.

450 Officers Deployed in Manhunt

Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush said the operation is on an unprecedented scale, with more than 450 officers now involved.

Support has arrived from the Australian Federal Police as well as police from New South Wales and South Australia.

Bush said federal specialists are providing intelligence and technical assistance, while NSW police are patrolling near the state border in case Freeman tries to cross.

Residents of Porepunkah and nearby towns, including Wangaratta, Mount Beauty, Mount Buller and Nagambie, have been urged to remain vigilant.

Appeal to Community

Authorities now suspect Freeman may be receiving help. Superintendent Brett Kahan widened his earlier plea for the fugitive to surrender, instead directing his appeal at anyone harbouring him.

“I extend that invitation to anyone who’s harbouring Desi Freeman, who’s considering harbouring Desi Freeman, or knows something about the people who are harbouring him,” Kahan said on Sept. 1.

He warned that protecting a man accused of murdering police officers is an extremely serious offence.

“People know the whereabouts of the person who’s killed two cops. People have chosen, for whatever reason, not to come forward. I’m appealing to them to step up,” he said.

Freeman’s wife, Amalia, has also spoken publicly, urging her husband to give himself up.

Through her lawyer, she expressed condolences to the families of the fallen officers.

“We share our deep sorrow for the loss of the lives of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart,” she said.

She pledged to support police in their search and appealed directly to her husband.

“Please Dezi, if you see or hear this, call 000 and arrange a surrender plan with the police,” Amalia said.

The manhunt has now stretched into its second week, with authorities warning they will not stand down until Freeman is caught.