Victoria Police say the wife of fugitive Dezi Freeman was present when two officers were shot dead in Porepunkah on Aug. 26.
Freeman, 56, remains on the run after the attack, which claimed the lives of Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart, 35, and Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59. The officers will be farewelled on Sept. 6 and 9.
Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly told reporters that investigators were considering charges against Freeman’s wife, Amalia, for obstructing police.
“I can confirm that she was present on the morning of the incident,” he said.
The 42-year-old and her teenage son were arrested during a raid on Aug. 29 but later released without charge. Police continue to liaise with her lawyer.
Search Expands to Alpine Bushland
Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said officers had searched more than 100 properties in the Alpine region before shifting efforts to bushland near the Ovens River on Sept. 3.
The manhunt has since expanded, with more than 450 officers now involved alongside the Australian Federal Police and reinforcements from New South Wales and South Australia. The Australian Defence Force has deployed surveillance aircraft and planning specialists.
Footage showed police combing through shipping containers and sheds with dogs and drones.
Former investigators have also confirmed that classified surveillance technology is being used in the search. Police are considering the possibility that Freeman may be hiding in one of hundreds of mineshafts or bunkers in the area, locations that can defeat drones and thermal imaging.
“Everyone is leaning into this search because we must resolve it as soon as possible,” Bush said.
He defended the extended timeline, noting the terrain was “extremely challenging.”
Police warn Freeman, an experienced bushman, was likely to be armed with multiple high-powered weapons and may be receiving assistance.
“He does not deserve to be protected,” Bush said.
“This person needs to be in custody because of what’s occurred. They need to be held accountable.”
Tourism Hit by Search
Tourism businesses in Victoria’s north-east are reeling, with cancellations hitting restaurants, accommodation, and local operators.Marcus Warner from the Bright Chamber of Commerce said some businesses have lost up to 60 percent of their income, with one already $10,000 out of pocket. His Pepo Farms, which endured bushfires and the pandemic, shut early last weekend due to a lack of customers.
Garage owner Marty Robinson described the losses as “scarring.”
Despite the slump, small signs of recovery have emerged, with Porepunkah Primary School, the local pub, and a holiday park resuming near-normal operations.
