Victoria Police hunt armed gunman after two officers killed in Porepunkah

Victoria Police launched an intensive manhunt for a heavily armed suspect following a shooting at a rural property in Porepunkah, located in the state's north-east, which left two police officers dead and another seriously injured. The tragedy unfolded when a team of officers attended the address to execute a search warrant, transforming the regional community into an active emergency zone.

According to ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation, emergency services swarmed the site after the incident erupted. The confrontation occurred at a rural address on Rayner Track. Ten police officers had arrived at the location to execute the warrant, which media sources indicated was connected to historical sex offences, though official reasons were withheld by leadership.

Media additions

Victoria Police chief commissioner Mike Bush confirmed the casualties in a press briefing held in Wangaratta. The slain officers were identified as a detective and a senior constable. A third officer sustained serious injuries to the lower body during the exchange. Chief Commissioner Bush stated that the suspect fled into surrounding bushland and was believed to be heavily armed prior to the encounter, while investigators worked to establish whether any official firearms were taken during the shootout.

Authorities identified the primary suspect in the manhunt as Dezi Freeman, a local resident in his 50s. Officials noted that the individual is associated with the sovereign citizen movement, which rejects the legitimacy of government institutions and courts. Police urged the suspect to surrender peacefully while confirming that his partner and two children, who also lived at the residence, were being sought by authorities to ensure their safety.

The unfolding emergency paralyzed normal life in the region. The Alpine Shire Council shut down all municipal facilities, including public libraries and information centres. Porepunkah Primary School enacted a strict lockdown, instructing staff to keep students indoors. Meanwhile, residents received emergency warnings instructing them to remain inside, lock their vehicles, and stay away from windows as police helicopters circled overhead and an armoured tactical vehicle deployed to the scene.

Federal and state leaders expressed profound grief over the tragedy. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed Parliament House to voice grave concern for the emergency response teams, while Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan offered tributes to the fallen. Police associations and commissioners across Australia rallied behind the force, deploying critical incident support teams to assist grieving colleagues and families.

As search operations in Porepunkah continue into the evening hours, further updates are expected from law enforcement as the hunt for the armed suspect persists.