An additional 100 tactical police officers and cadaver dogs have been unleashed into a national park, joining the extensive search for alleged cop-killer Dezi Freeman.
The extra Public Order Response Team officers have been deployed to Mount Buffalo National Park, in Victoria’s northeast, this week for an “additional sweep” of the rugged terrain.
Specialist search dogs from Queensland Police were also deployed to the area over the past two days.
The national park borders Freeman’s rural property in Porepunkah, where he is accused of shooting dead Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart on August 26.
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“The Mount Buffalo National Park remains closed at the request of Victoria Police,” a police spokesperson said.
“This decision is being constantly assessed and we will advise as soon as the park can re-open.”
Mr Freeman is believed to have fled the scene on foot, and there have been no confirmed sightings of him since the fatal incident occurred more than one month ago.
A separate team of specialist officers were deployed to Benalla on Wednesday, about 85km west of Porepunkah, for a “planned operation”, according to a police spokesman.
Police raided a property near Benalla, which was understood to be the home of a long-serving Victoria Police member, according to The Herald Sun.
The member was away at the time and was not the target of the warrant.
It is believed a family member of the officer was intercepted in a vehicle in the Shepparton area, but has since been cleared of having anything to do with Mr Freeman.
“There is no immediate risk to community safety and further information will be provided once operationally appropriate to do so,” a police spokesman said.
“(Benalla) forms part of the ongoing investigation in the Porepunkah area in the search for Desmond Freeman, we will not be providing further comment on operational activities.”
A $1m reward for information leading to Mr Freeman’s arrest remains on offer.
https://thewest.com.au/news/extra-police-cadaver-dogs-join-hunt-for-alleged-cop-killer-dezi-freeman-in-national-park-c-20217203
