Tactical Police Operation in Myrtleford
On Friday, September 19, 2025, heavily armed tactical police units swarmed a property in Myrtleford, Victoria, as part of the extensive search efforts for alleged cop killer Dezi Freeman. During the operation, a man was detained and seen being led away in handcuffs from a house on Standish Street. However, Victoria Police spokespersons later clarified that while the operation was a firearms prohibition order search, no arrests were made in direct connection with the ongoing manhunt for Freeman, and the detained individual was subsequently released without charge.
Background to the Manhunt
The large-scale manhunt for Dezi Freeman, also known as Desmond Filby, began on August 26, 2025, after he allegedly shot and killed two police officers, Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart, and injured a third, at his property in Porepunkah, Victoria. The incident occurred when officers were executing a search warrant related to alleged sexual offending and a firearms prohibition order. Freeman reportedly fled into dense bushland following the shooting.
Details of the Myrtleford Incident
Witnesses in Myrtleford described a significant police presence, including unmarked cars, an armoured vehicle, and officers in camouflage with weapons drawn, surrounding a home. The man detained during the operation was identified by one report as Chris Danny Murovich, though police did not confirm any direct links between him or the property and Freeman's whereabouts. Police stated the search was conducted under a firearms prohibition order, indicating a focus on illegal weapons.
Ongoing Search Efforts for Freeman
The search for Dezi Freeman has been described as Australia's largest-ever tactical police operation, involving hundreds of officers from Victoria Police, interstate forces, the Australian Federal Police, and even New Zealand specialists. The manhunt has now entered its fourth week, with Freeman still at large. A substantial $1 million reward has been offered for information leading to his arrest. Authorities continue to scour rugged terrain, including caves, mineshafts, and dense bushland, in the Victorian high country, acknowledging the challenging conditions and Freeman's reported bushcraft skills.
5 Comments
Fuerza
The dedication to bringing Freeman to justice is commendable, especially given the tragic loss of officers. Still, after weeks, the lack of significant progress and reliance on broad searches can erode public confidence in the strategy.
Manolo Noriega
Detained and released? What a waste of taxpayer money and resources.
Fuerza
While the scale of the manhunt reflects the seriousness of the initial crime, the repeated incidents of detaining people who are then released without charge raise questions about the precision and intelligence gathering of the operation.
Ongania
The police are under immense pressure to find the alleged killer, which explains the aggressive tactics. However, they must also be mindful of civil liberties when detaining individuals not directly linked to the crime.
Fuerza
It's understandable that authorities are leaving no stone unturned in this search. Yet, the disruption to small towns and the emotional toll on innocent individuals caught in these sweeps should also be acknowledged.