A huge manhunt has been launched after two police officers were shot dead and one was injured in a violent attack at a small property in rural Australia. The officers were among 10 sent to the address in Porepunkah, a town in the Australian Alps, to serve an arrest warrant, which local media said was for historical sex offences. Hundreds more personnel were deployed to track down the suspect, named in some reports as Dezi Freeman, who reportedly escaped by running into the bush.
Local authorities are also still working to track down the “heavily armed” man’s wife and children. Mike Bush, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner, said a 59-year-old detective and 35-year-old senior constable were “murdered in cold blood” at the scene of the ambush. Another officer was injured and airlifted to hospital. The offender has reportedly claimed to be a “sovereign citizen” – someone who believes they are not subject to laws or Government authority.
“In terms of the current situation, the suspect for this horrific event is still at large,” Mr Bush told reporters. “We believe he is armed.
“We have deployed every specialist resource into this area to locate him…Our priority is to arrest him, to ensure he’s held to account for the actions but also very much to bring safety and security to this community.
“We have hundreds of police resources assigned to this very important task.”
Residents in Porepunkah, which has a population of around 1,000, were told to stay indoors while the manhunt continues. The local primary school was put under lockdown earlier today but parents were able to pick children up this afternoon.
A local pub has also been shut and a caravan park put under lockdown.
Mayor Sarah Nicholas also paid tribute to the officers, describing the incident as “a day of deep sorrow and shock for our community”.
“First and foremost, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the two police officers tragically killed in Porepunkah. Our thoughts, love and unwavering support are with you during this incredibly painful time.”
Alex Caruana, president of the Australian Federal Police Association added: “Policing is dangerous and unpredictable work, and what has happenedi n Porepunkah is a reminder of the risks officers face every day in keeping the community safe.”
Gun violence is relatively rare in Australia, after tough firearm restrictions were introduced in response to the Port Arthur mass shooting in 1996, which killed 35 people and injured 23.