Suspected Cop Killer Dezi Freeman Fatally Shot By Victoria Police Following Seven Month Manhunt

Accused cop killer Dezi Freeman was killed by Victoria Police in Thologolong after 7 months on the run. A stolen police firearm was recovered at the scene.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 30, 2026, 9:23 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PEOPLE

The Violent Conclusion Of A Multi-Month Fugitive Search

The seven month search for one of Australia's most wanted fugitives appears to have ended in a fatal confrontation in rural Victoria. On March 30, 2026, tactical units from the Special Operations Group and Taskforce Summit descended on a property in Thologolong. The operation targeted 56 year old Dezi Freeman, who had been evading authorities since a deadly shooting incident in Porepunkah last year.

Standoff At Thologolong Property Ends In Gunfire

According to Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush, the operation involved a standoff lasting several hours. Police provided the suspect with multiple opportunities to surrender peacefully, which were reportedly ignored. The situation turned lethal when the suspect emerged from a makeshift dwelling—described as a hybrid of a shipping container and a caravan—and presented a firearm at officers. In response, multiple members of the Special Operations Group discharged their weapons, killing the suspect at the scene.

The Tragic August 2025 Incident In Porepunkah

The manhunt for Freeman began on August 26, 2025, following a domestic operation that turned catastrophic. Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart were fatally shot while executing a search warrant related to sexual offense investigations. A third officer was seriously injured in the lower body during the exchange. Freeman allegedly fled the scene heavily armed, sparking a search of over 100 properties and the offer of a $1 million AUD reward.