A Victoria Police helicopter searches bushland near Porepunkah. The search has entered its third week.
In late August 2025, two Victoria Police officers were fatally shot at a remote property near Porepunkah in north-east Victoria. The victims were Detective Senior Constable Neal Thompson (59) and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart (35). They had been part of a team executing a search warrant at a makeshift shelter on a property along Rayner Track, west of Porepunkah. The suspect, identified by police as 56-year-old Desmond Filby (often known as “Dezi” Freeman), opened fire on the officers before fleeing into the surrounding bush.
Freeman is believed to be heavily armed and dangerous, and a $1 million reward is on offer for information leading to his arrest. Police helicopters, dogs and hundreds of personnel from Victoria, other states and even New Zealand have scoured the rugged alpine terrain around Mt Buffalo National Park, described by police as the largest tactical deployment in Australia’s history. There have been no confirmed sightings of the fugitive to date, and police advise anyone in the area to follow directions from officers at all times.
Who Was Involved
The suspect, Dezi Bird Freeman, was living with his wife and two children on the rural Porepunkah property. Freeman has been known to police for years and self-identifies as a “sovereign citizen” or “freeman”, part of a fringe anti-government ideology. Police allege Freeman shot at the officers through the window of a bus where he and his family were staying. After the shooting, he disappeared into the bush carrying multiple weapons.
The two slain officers, Det. Sen. Const. Thompson and Snr Const. De Waart-Hottart were part of a 10-officer team executing the warrant; a third officer was wounded but survived. In response to the ambush, the Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush warned that Freeman is dangerous and experienced with the local terrain.
What Are “Sovereign Citizens” and Why Is This Happening?
Sovereign citizens (sometimes called “freemen on the land” in Australia) are loosely organised individuals who reject the legitimacy of government laws. They often subscribe to conspiracy theories and believe that they are not bound by statutes unless they explicitly consent.
In practice, this can mean refusing to pay taxes, ignoring court orders or licenses, and treating police and government officers as illegitimate. In Victoria’s courts and on the internet, a growing number of people have embraced these pseudolaw ideas.
Experts say the movement has grown sharply in recent years. Academic studies and police agencies note that sovereign citizen ideology has been present in Australia since the 1970s, but gained momentum after the COVID-19 pandemic and large protests like the 2022 “Convoy to Canberra”.
The FBI in the United States has long labelled sovereign citizen groups a domestic-terrorism threat, and ASIO warned in 2022 of “angry and alienated” extremists among fringe conspiracy believers. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Bush said that Freeman’s case shows how a single person armed and willing to use violence can pose a serious risk.
In short, what happened at Porepunkah appears to be the worst extreme outcome of these anti-government beliefs. While most who hold such views do not resort to violence, recent examples in Australia show the dangers: the 2022 Wieambilla shootings in Queensland (three killers ambushed police and a neighbour) had links to similar anti-state motives.
Both were remote properties; in each case, the occupants had harboured hatred of the police. Police now warn colleagues to be especially careful when visiting isolated properties where occupants claim to follow “common law” or “sovereign” rules.
Public Safety and Community Impact
For local communities, the Porepunkah manhunt is a stark reminder of safety risks in remote areas. Residents are understandably anxious, but authorities emphasise that public safety is the top priority. Victoria Police has repeatedly urged people in the region to report any suspicious activity and to stay put if directed by officers. So far, there is no indication that Freeman is targeting local civilians; his actions seem focused on evading capture.
Experts stress that violent confrontations with sovereign-minded individuals almost always involve miscommunication and legal delusions. The Commonwealth and state governments are reviewing how police serve warrants or interview people who may not recognise official authority.
Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Russell Barrett noted that search teams are crawling through caves and rivers in freezing conditions to clear the area. The unprecedented operation, now running past 20 days, involves specialists from across Australia and dozens of detectives. The force won’t be stood down until Freeman is found.
In the meantime, neighbours are encouraged to cooperate with the police. The heavy presence of tactical teams means roads may be patrolled and checkpoints set up near Porepunkah and surrounding towns.
Tips for Securing Your Home and Business
While the Porepunkah incident was a police ambush, any violent fugitive on the run can draw attention to security in nearby communities. It’s a good time for homeowners and business owners to review their safety measures. Security experts and Victoria Police recommend basic precautions to make properties less vulnerable to criminals or intruders. For example:
- Lock everything, make sure all external doors (front, back, side, garage) and windows are securely locked at all times. Don’t leave spare keys hidden outside, and lock your mailbox if possible. Use quality deadlocks on each external door and any gates. At home, consider adding a peephole to your front door so you can safely identify visitors before opening up.
- Upgrade hardware, if your locks or doors are old or flimsy; have them replaced. Secure fence gates with padlocks, and install security screen doors if you live in areas with wildlife or wandering strangers. Businesses (especially late-night premises) should use commercial-grade deadbolts and consider swipe-card or keypad entry systems. In either case, local professionals can help, for example, residents in Melbourne’s south-east might call a trusted locksmith dandenong to fit new deadlocks or rekey existing locks. Likewise, shops and offices around Berwick can call a locksmith in berwick for expert security upgrades or emergency service.
- Alarms and lighting, install motion-activated security lighting around your property. A monitored alarm system (or even just a visible alarm box) can deter intruders. If possible, fit security cameras or a video doorbell covering key entry points. Even a barking dog or a fake CCTV sign can discourage unwanted visitors. For businesses, sensor lights in alleyways or rear exits are especially helpful.
- Visibility and neighbourhood watch, keep shrubs and trees trimmed so all entryways are visible from the street. Trim back overgrown hedges where someone could hide. Neighbours can look out for each other: if a resident is away, cancel deliveries, or ask someone to park in the driveway and collect mail. Join or start a neighbourhood watch group for your street. Knowing local contacts and “buddy” systems means someone will notice unusual activity sooner.
- Be ready to react, plan what you’ll do if you become aware of an immediate threat. If you hear or see anything that suggests intruders (e.g. breaking glass, unfamiliar voices), do not confront anyone. Instead, get to a safe room or leave the house and call 000 as soon as possible. If police are active nearby, keep your phone handy and your address visible so officers can find you. It’s also wise to have emergency contacts stored (fire brigade, ambulance) and to teach children how to call Triple Zero.
If you have any information about the suspect, or if you simply feel unsafe and need advice, contact Victoria Police or Crime Stoppers without delay.
