Victorian Commissioner Warns Fugitive Who Killed 2 Police Still at Large, Armed With ‘Powerful Firearms’

Dezi Freeman is still at large and had earlier fled into bushland.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush speaks to the media during a press conference at Police headquarters in Melbourne, Australia, on Aug. 27, 2025. AAP Image/Joel Carrett

Victoria Police have launched one of the state’s most intensive manhunts after two officers were killed and a third seriously wounded during a shootout in rural Victoria.

Commissioner Mike Bush confirmed on Aug. 27 that 56-year-old Dezi Freeman, also known as “Philby,” remains at large and is believed to be heavily armed.

“This is not a hostage situation. These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression, and we are pouring every resource into this search for this person. We must find him,” Bush told reporters in Melbourne.

Investigators believe Freeman fled into dense bushland nearby, carrying multiple high-powered weapons.

“We believe he has long arms, powerful firearms, multiple firearms. We haven’t recovered any of his firearms from the scene, so we believe that the firearms he used, he is still in possession,” Bush said.

The confrontation unfolded on Aug. 26 when police arrived at Freeman’s property in Porepunkah, about 300 kilometres northeast of Melbourne, to execute a search warrant. Neighbours reported hearing around 20 gunshots. Two officers, aged 59 and 35, were fatally shot, while another officer was injured.

Commissioner Bush said the identities of the two fallen officers would be released once their families had been fully informed.

Freeman, a local known to police, is alleged to have taken at least one weapon from a slain officer. Sources have suggested he is linked to the “sovereign citizen” movement, a loose ideology that rejects government authority and has grown more visible during recent years of social and economic unrest.

Community Told to Stay Indoors

Porepunkah remains in lockdown as authorities urge residents to stay indoors and report any suspicious activity.

“Please don’t go outside if you don’t need to,” Bush said.

“Please ring triple zero and tell us immediately if you see anything untoward, or if you suspect any other crimes that may be related to this person.”

The Commissioner outlined two parallel operations: a detailed crime scene investigation at Freeman’s property and an active search in the surrounding bushland and nearby dwellings.

“They are separate but work together,” he explained.

NSW Police on Alert as Manhunt Widens

The search has expanded beyond Victoria, with New South Wales Police placed on standby in case the fugitive attempts to cross state lines.

“They are fully briefed. They are on standby, and should any information or intelligence be received, they will deploy to that immediately,” Bush said.

Bush urged anyone considering helping the fugitive not to do so.

“Don’t support this person. It’s very dangerous. He’s killed two police officers and injured a third. He does not deserve anyone’s assistance,” he said.

National Leaders Offer Support

The scale of the attack has shocked the nation.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, and police commissioners across Australia have spoken directly with Commissioner Bush to extend support.

Albanese expressed solidarity with the police community.

“The men and women who wear the uniform of the police force take risks each and every day,” he said.

Allan also added that the state has already put its best resources in place.

“What happened yesterday was a tragedy. But also a hideous crime that was perpetrated on those who go to work every day to keep us safe. And that makes it even more awful and horrific,” she told ABC.