Dozens more police were called to assist in property searches in Porepunkah late last week as the hunt for alleged police killer Dezi Freeman goes into its eighth week.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said specialist police services searched “a number” of private properties in Porepunkah on Thursday and Friday.
An additional 33 officers were brought in from the Public Order Response Team on Friday to conduct an additional sweep of the area.
There has still been no confirmed sighting of Freeman since he was last seen fleeing his Rayner Track property heavily armed after allegedly killing Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart and injuring a third officer as they were conducting a search warrant on 26 August.
Police have searched around 40 square kilometres of bushland and received thousands of pieces of information provided by the public since the search involving multiple state, federal and international agencies began.
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Mount Buffalo National Park remains closed as police continue to maintain a significant presence in the area.
“We are committed to using every available resource and the necessary skills required to find Freeman,” the Victoria Police spokesperson said.
Police remain open to an array of possibilities, from Freeman being deceased, hiding in the difficult terrain alone, having fled the area or receiving assistance from people in the community.
Investigators have described Freeman as well-versed in bushcraft.
A reward of up to $1 million remains in place for information leading to Freeman’s arrest.
Anyone who sees Freeman is urged to phone Triple Zero (000) immediately and not to approach him.
Any suspicious behaviour or other information about Freeman’s current whereabouts should be reported to Crime Stoppers Victoria via 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report 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
