Police wrap up fifth and final search for Dezi Freeman with no results found

Police have provided an update on the search for Desmond ‘Dezi’ Freeman, with the operation reaching a crucial stage.

Police have wrapped up the fifth and final day of a renewed search for fugitive Desmond ‘Dezi’ Freeman, with authorities confirming the operation ended without locating the man or any remains.

More than 100 officers and specialist search teams spent the past week combing dense bushland in Victoria’s northeast, following new intelligence that prompted investigators to revisit the area months after two police officers were fatally shot near Porepunkah.

Victoria Police said the latest operation concluded on Friday, with no discoveries made during the five-day search.

Police have concluded the fifth and final day of a renewed search for Desmond ‘Dezi’ Freeman, with no results or remains located. Picture supplied
Police have concluded the fifth and final day of a renewed search for Desmond ‘Dezi’ Freeman, with no results or remains located. Picture supplied
Mr Freeman, formerly Filby, allegedly gunned down Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart on August 26 last year while the officers were attempting to execute a search warrant at a remote property.

A third officer was seriously injured during the alleged ambush.

Police last saw the 56-year-old flee into bushland near Rayner Track, reportedly armed with firearms.

The renewed search began on Monday after investigators analysed intelligence linked to a reported gunshot heard in the region shortly after the alleged killings.

Dozens of officers and specialist search teams spent five days combing dense bushland in Victoria’s northeast before the operation was wrapped up. Picture: NewsWire Handout/ Vic Police
Dozens of officers and specialist search teams spent five days combing dense bushland in Victoria’s northeast before the operation was wrapped up. Picture: NewsWire Handout/ Vic Police
A member of the public had come forward claiming they heard what they believed was a shot about 12.29pm on the day of the incident, information police said was later corroborated through further analysis.

More than 100 officers were deployed during the operation, assisted by cadaver dogs and specialist resources, scouring an area equivalent to about 52 MCG ovals. Crews searched rugged terrain including caves, mines and waterways.