Victoria Police have reaffirmed their commitment to capturing fugitive Dezi Freeman, the man accused of killing two police officers before disappearing into dense bushland near his home in Porepunkah, in the state’s north-east.
A newly established unit, Taskforce Summit, has now assumed control of the investigation. The taskforce — comprising detectives from Crime Command, the Fugitive Squad, the Armed Crime Squad, the Special Operations Group, the Search and Rescue Squad, and local drone specialists — will operate from the Great Alpine region.
Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien described the operation as “far from over,” stressing that every available resource and specialist capability is being deployed. “We remain absolutely determined to bring this investigation to a resolution,” he said.
The police search had previously forced the closure of Mount Buffalo National Park, which has now fully reopened following weeks of disruption. Despite this, police continue active patrols in the area, supported by the Public Order Response Team stationed in nearby Bright and Myrtleford.
Investigators have processed over 1,700 pieces of intelligence, including tips from members of the public. Authorities are urging anyone with information — however minor it may seem — to contact Crime Stoppers.
A $1 million reward remains on offer for information leading directly to Freeman’s arrest.
