Police have arrested two men as part of the ongoing investigation into the movements of Dezi Freeman following the fatal shooting of two Victorian police officers in Porepunkah last year. The arrests, carried out on 16 June 2026, involved the execution of seven search warrants at properties across Victoria and New South Wales.
Background to the Porepunkah Incident
On 26 August 2025, officers Neal Thompson and Vadim De Waart-Hottart were killed during a shooting at a property near Porepunkah in regional Victoria. The incident occurred while police were executing a search warrant. Dezi Freeman, also known as Desmond Filby, became the subject of one of Australia's largest manhunts after the event.
The Extended Manhunt and Its Conclusion
Freeman evaded capture for more than seven months. The search involved an unprecedented number of officers and included a A$1 million reward for information leading to his arrest, the largest ever offered in Victoria. He was eventually located and shot dead by police in a stand-off at a rural property near the New South Wales border in March 2026.
Focus of the Current Investigation
Taskforce Summit continues to examine how Freeman sustained himself and moved during his time as a fugitive. Detectives have indicated they believe Freeman crossed into New South Wales at some point while on the run. The latest operation targeted properties in both states to gather further information on his activities and any potential assistance he may have received.
Details of the 16 June Arrests
Two men were taken into custody during coordinated searches on the morning of 16 June 2026. Police statements confirm the individuals are being questioned in relation to Freeman's movements after the Porepunkah shootings. The investigation remains active, and no charges have been laid at this stage.
Photo by Steve Harvey on Unsplash
Previous Arrests in the Probe
Similar arrests occurred in May 2026 when two men aged 48 and 45 were detained in north-east Victoria. Those individuals were later released without charge as inquiries continued. The pattern underscores the methodical approach being taken by investigators to piece together Freeman's seven-month period at large.
Police Operations Across State Borders
Cooperation between Victoria Police and New South Wales Police has been central to the inquiry. The cross-border nature of the searches reflects the belief that Freeman utilised areas in both jurisdictions. Taskforce Summit has maintained that the investigation does not conclude with Freeman's death and continues to pursue all lines of inquiry.
Public and Community Impact
The original manhunt drew significant national attention due to its scale and duration. Communities in north-east Victoria and border regions of New South Wales experienced heightened police presence and disruption over many months. The ongoing investigation serves as a reminder of the resources dedicated to resolving such cases fully.
Legal and Investigative Context
Australian law enforcement agencies routinely investigate potential assistance provided to fugitives in high-profile cases. The current phase focuses on movements and logistics rather than the original incident itself. Any future charges would be determined by the evidence gathered during these operations.
Outlook for the Investigation
Authorities have emphasised that inquiries into Freeman's time on the run will persist. Further arrests or developments may occur as detectives analyse information obtained from the latest warrants. The public is encouraged to provide any relevant information through established police channels.
Photo by Nejc Soklič on Unsplash
Readers interested in broader Australian news developments can explore additional stories on regional updates across the country.