In a tragic incident that has rocked the community of Porepunkah, Victoria, two police officers were shot dead while on duty. Detective Neal Thompson, aged 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35, were identified as the victims. Police were executing a warrant related to alleged sexual offenses when the shootout occurred.
Thompson was a long-serving officer close to retirement, known for his dedication to community policing, while De Waart had recently joined the force, having relocated from Belgium.
Another officer suffered serious injuries during the incident but is currently recovering following surgery. Authorities have identified the suspect as Dezi Freeman, a local resident, who is reported to be heavily armed and remains at large more than 24 hours after the shooting.
We are all deeply affected by the loss of these officers, and our community is deeply saddened, said Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush. He emphasized the risks police officers face daily while serving and protecting the public.
A coordinated manhunt has been launched, involving ground units, helicopters, and armoured vehicles, as searches continue in the dense bushland surrounding the area.
Community members have been alerted to remain vigilant and secure their homes while the search intensifies. The situation has drawn parallels to previous incidents of violence against police, reviving discussions about dealing with extremist views among certain local populations.
