Taskforce undertake search for body of fugitive at Mount Buffalo

There has still been no trace of alleged police killer Dezi Freeman despite a targeted search in the dense bushland of the Mount Buffalo National Park over the past week. A Victoria Police spokesperson said detectives from Taskforce Summit, along with specialist resources, spent five days searching in thick, heavy terrain in an attempt to identify any evidence or the body of Freeman. Among the 0.886 km2 of area searched, police conducted line searches and cleared caves. The area was previously searched on 12 September with the purpose of locating an active armed offender, but the focus turned to locating the remains of the fugitive on this occasion. The extensive search involved a number of units from across Victoria Police including local police, Search and Rescue, Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), Drone Unit and the Dog Squad as well as two New South Wales Police Force cadaver dogs. The Homicide Squad continues to lead the investigation into the deaths of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart. Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien said Victoria Police remained committed to doing everything in their power to locate Freeman. “The devastating loss of Neal and Vadim has struck at the heart of Victoria Police and had an enormous impact on the Porepunkah community,” he said. “We will continue to conduct targeted searches such as this one based on intelligence. "We will maintain a presence in the community, and we are determined we will see this to resolution.” Since the 26 August shooting, hundreds of Victoria Police officers and specialist resources from across Victoria, Australia and New Zealand have been tirelessly searching Porepunkah and surrounding areas at any one time for Freeman. Taskforce Summit has taken over the search since late October, and detectives have investigated over 1950 pieces of intelligence, including information received from the public. Victoria Police will continue to maintain an enhanced presence in the local Porepunkah and Mount Buffalo National Park areas. Anyone who sees Freeman should phone triple zero (000) immediately and not approach him. A reward of up to $1 million remains for information leading to Freeman’s arrest. Anyone with any information on Freeman’s location, or anything the community notices at the Mount Buffalo National Park should be reported to Crime Stoppers Victoria via 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Taskforce undertake search for body of fugitive at Mount Buffalo

Fire truck time bomb: Local plea for inquiry into aging fleet

Wangaratta man leaves trail of theft following North East crime spree

"We never rest": behind the lines of Wangaratta CFA's strike team response

Woman arrested after stabbing at Cribbes Road

Total Fire Ban for North East on Thursday

Rufous Whistler – arrival of a summer songbird

Bombers go back-to-back in A grade

“No stone unturned” – Police committed to the long-haul in manhunt

Start your engines, Wilby Drags are back

Most popular stories