Victoria Police have confirmed fugitive Dezi Freeman’s wife was present at the time of the Porepunkah shooting as officers continue to scour the region’s homes and bushland for Australia’s most wanted man.
The 56-year-old remains on the run as a mass manhunt for the man who allegedly killed two police officers, Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottert went into a ninth day.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush and Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly were at police’s operation headquarters at Ovens on Wednesday, where army resources were recently deployed to be part of the search.
There was yet to be any confirmed sightings of Freeman since he was last seen fleeing his Rayner Track property last Tuesday heavily armed.
Det Supt Kelly confirmed Freeman’s wife, Amalia, was present at the time of the shooting that fateful morning and was being investigated for obstructing police.
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He said she may be charged in due course.
“We are working with her through her solicitor and we hope to progress our engagement with her going forward,” he said.
The 42-year-old and her 15-year-old son were arrested and interviewed by police last Thursday.
Ms Freeman issued a statement to the media on Sunday, saying she was cooperating with police and urged her husband to hand himself in.
Det Supt Kelly said police have searched more than 100 properties within the region related to the investigation.
“This is a complex search out here in the Hume region, out here in the hills,” he said.
Specialist police were seen in Wangaratta on Tuesday while police continue to have a heavy presence at the crime scene and in areas among the Porepunkah community.
Det Supt Kelly said the force were very pleased with the community assistance they had received so far in the investigation.
He confirmed associates of Freeman were providing information to police and urged the community to continue contacting police.
“That info will be critical to us locating Desmond Freeman,” he said.
“We have established a very good understanding of locations previously frequented, associates and friends.
“Victoria Police is very much open to receiving further information that will lead to a safe arrest.”
Chief Commissioner Bush remained guarded in revealing operational tactics in the “extremely challenging” search due to the possibility of Freeman monitoring media reports.
The state’s top policeman made another appeal to Freeman to hand himself in and the possibility of Freeman being helped remained real.
“Our resolve and determination grows by the day to bring this to a peaceful and safe conclusion,” he said.
“This person is armed and is extremely dangerous, that adds a whole new complexity to this investigation.
“He does not deserve to be protected; this person needs to be in custody.
“They need to be held accountable, but they also need to be kept away and safe from the community.”
Australian Defence Force resources were deployed to the operation involving more than 450 Victoria Police officers, federal police and interstate police.
“I’m in awe of the commitment and professionalism of the police officers and those supporting this search, I’m here to thank them and give them every resource they require,” Chief Commissioner Bush said.
Throughout the search, Freeman’s ideology as a self-proclaimed sovereign citizen and alleged anti-authoritarian views has been given widespread attention in national media.
Chief Commissioner Bush said he would not be placing his focus on any ideologies throughout the investigation.
“What we’re focusing on here is a criminal who has killed two Victoria Police officers in cold blood, that’s what we’re dealing with,” he said.
“This is our number one priority of Victoria Police.”
Public messaging for the community remained the same, with people urged to remain vigilant and avoid travelling through the general Porepunkah area.
The VicEmergency community warning area shrunk from as far as Nagambie to its new borders in Wangaratta and Beechworth.
The Porepunkah area remained a no-fly zone.
Police advise that if you see Freeman, call 000 immediately but do not approach him.
Anyone with other information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au or visit your local police station.
Sen Const de Waart-Hottert is set to be farewelled at the Victoria Police Academy on Friday followed by Det Led Sen Const Thompson's service on Monday.
Both funerals will not be open to the public and the men will be farewelled with full police honours.
