Victoria Police is today announcing a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to the arrest of Desmond 'Dezi' Freeman following the murder of two police officers in Porepunkah last month.

Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart were part of a group of police who attended Freeman's Rayner Track property on Tuesday, 26 August.

The officers were executing a search warrant as part of an investigation by the Wangaratta Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team.

They were confronted by Freeman at his property about 10.30am, resulting in the two officers being fatally shot.

A third officer was seriously injured after being shot in the lower body and is now recovering at home.

The investigation into the deaths of the two officers and the serious injuries to a third officer is being conducted by the Homicide Squad.

As part of the effort to locate Freeman and bring him into custody peacefully and safely, police are offering a reward of up to $1M for information on his whereabouts that leads to his arrest.

Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said while the offering of a reward for a murder investigation is not unusual in itself, what sets this apart is that this reward is for arrest and not conviction – and it is the largest reward ever offered for an arrest in Victoria.

“This figure recognises the seriousness of this violent offending and our commitment to locating Freeman as soon as possible so that he is no longer a risk to the broader community," he said.

“Our aim in offering this reward is that it will lead someone out there, who may not have been willing to come forward until this time, to contact police.

“There is no doubt that up to a million dollars is a life changing amount of money for anyone and has the potential to completely change their circumstances

“We believe this investigation will only be brought to resolution through assistance from members of the public and again, I am urging anyone with any information at all to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers.

“This could be sightings of Freeman, information you’re hearing in your local communities, even suspicious activity on your property – whatever it is, we want you to tell us.

“I would also like to stress to members of the public that if you see Freeman, then we need you to call triple zero immediately because this will give police the very best chance of apprehending him.

“Freeman has killed two people and injured a third, and it’s immensely important that we can bring him into custody safely as soon as possible – hopefully this reward helps do just that.”

Over the past 12 days, a significant search has been undertaken by Victoria Police in an effort to locate Freeman, otherwise known as Desmond Filby.

A number of heavily armed police officers from across a range of specialist areas within Victoria Police continue to undertake a significant search for Freeman, assisted by personnel from a number of other agencies.

More than 450 police each day are dedicated to the search.

Freeman was last seen at his Porepunkah property on 26 August shortly after the fatal shooting.

At this time, police are unaware of Freeman’s current location and are appealing to members of the public who do have information about his whereabouts to come forward.

At this time, there is nothing to indicate that Freeman is being assisted by a specific person, however given the difficult terrain and the requirement for various supplies this remains a possibility.

Police are also open to the possibilities that he remains at large alone or is dead as a result of self-harm.

Freeman was last seen wearing dark green (khaki) tracksuit pants, dark green rain jacket, brown Blundstone boots and reading glasses.

Police believe Freeman remains armed and advise members of the public not to approach him.

Victoria Police have urged the public in and around Porepunkah to remain vigilant and report any sightings or suspicious behaviour by calling Triple Zero (000).

Anyone with any information about Freeman’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

For the most current advice and updates relating to this search, visit https://www.police.vic.gov.au/porepunkah-shooting-and-search-desmond-freeman-filby