The manhunt for Dezi Freeman, 56, who is suspected of killing two police officers in Victoria’s High Country, has entered its fourth day. Freeman allegedly shot Detective Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35, at his rural property in Porepunkah on Tuesday. A third officer was wounded in the attack.

Authorities say Freeman stole the deceased officers’ service pistols and seized a police radio before fleeing into the surrounding bushland. Since the shooting, he has remained at large, prompting a massive search operation involving 450 heavily-armed police, special operations units, and air support—making it one of the largest manhunts in Australian history.

Evading Law Enforcement

Freeman’s ability to evade authorities is not new. Sources report that he previously posed as a firefighter to bypass emergency police roadblocks, most notably during the Black Summer bushfires of 2020. During that period, large swaths of Victoria, including Mount Buffalo near Porepunkah, were under emergency evacuation orders. While thousands fled, Freeman allegedly donned his old Country Fire Authority uniform—though he had left the volunteer service in 2014—and slipped past checkpoints.

According to a former friend, Freeman moved among genuine emergency crews, taking photographs of the fires while real firefighters risked their lives. “He carried on like he’d pulled off some kind of military operation. In his head, it made him a legend,” the friend said. Locals reportedly began to view him as unpredictable and potentially dangerous during that time, noting his disregard for rules and concern for others’ safety.

A Self-Proclaimed Sovereign Citizen

At the core of Freeman’s worldview is his identification as a self-proclaimed “sovereign citizen.” This anti-authority movement rejects government control, treating laws, taxes, and court orders as optional or irrelevant. Experts say this mindset often leads adherents to engage in risky and illegal behavior while believing they are untouchable by the authorities.

“Freeman thrives on bending rules and humiliating government agencies,” the former friend told Daily Mail Australia. “He will try every trick in the book.” His past behavior, including his audacious actions during the bushfires, demonstrates a pattern of defiance that aligns with the ideology of sovereign citizens.

The Crime and Ongoing Investigation

Police officers were executing a warrant related to historic sexual assault charges when Freeman allegedly opened fire on the ten officers present at his property. After killing Thompson and De Waart, he fled into the rugged bushland. Authorities are continuing an exhaustive search, covering difficult mountainous terrain, in an attempt to apprehend him before he can harm others or escape further.

Law enforcement agencies have urged locals to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity, emphasizing that Freeman is considered armed and extremely dangerous. The community has been left in shock, grappling with the reality of such violence in a rural area usually regarded as quiet and safe.

Freeman’s History of Risk-Taking

Beyond the recent events, Freeman’s history of risky behavior paints a picture of a man willing to defy authority for his own satisfaction. His fascination with emergencies, such as the 2020 bushfires, combined with his manipulative tendencies, suggests he may be highly resourceful at evading capture. Observers warn that this combination of recklessness and cunning makes him particularly dangerous.

The former friend described Freeman as “obsessed with proving he is always one step ahead.” This obsession, coupled with his sovereign citizen ideology, may help explain why he allegedly resorted to such extreme measures in Porepunkah. His actions have left a trail of fear and concern among those who once viewed him as merely eccentric or a know-it-all.

The Bigger Picture

Cases like Freeman’s raise broader questions about the challenges law enforcement faces when dealing with individuals who reject the rule of law entirely. Sovereign citizens, though a relatively small movement, have been involved in violent encounters with police in multiple countries. Experts argue that understanding the psychology and motivations behind such beliefs is crucial for preventing similar tragedies in the future.

Additionally, Freeman’s use of deception—posing as a firefighter and blending into emergency crews—underscores the importance of strict verification procedures during crises. Authorities have been reviewing past incidents to learn how such risks can be mitigated without hindering emergency response operations.

Community Response

Residents in Porepunkah and surrounding areas are being advised to take precautions while the search continues. Schools and local organizations have increased security measures, and public warnings have been issued through various channels. The Victorian Police have reassured the public that every effort is being made to capture Freeman swiftly and safely, highlighting the unprecedented scale of the operation.

While the manhunt continues, Freeman remains a symbol of the dangers posed by individuals who actively reject societal rules and regulations. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of ideology, risk-taking behavior, and law enforcement challenges.

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