SYDNEY – A seven-month manhunt in Australia came to an end Monday when authorities fatally shot a fugitive accused of murdering two police officers, according to Australian media reports.
Dezi Freeman, formerly known as Desmond Filby, had evaded capture since August following a deadly confrontation that claimed the lives of two officers and wounded another in Victoria state. Law enforcement had placed a substantial A$1 million ($684,700) bounty on information that would lead to his arrest.
The deadly incident occurred when Freeman allegedly attacked a 10-member police squad, which included officers from the sexual offences and child investigation unit, as they attempted to serve a search warrant at a residence in Porepunkah. The location sits approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) northeast of Melbourne.
After the attack, Freeman escaped into the wilderness of Mount Buffalo National Park. Authorities described him as having extensive survival expertise and access to high-powered weapons. Local news outlets characterized the 56-year-old as a “sovereign citizen” who rejected government authority.
The fatal shooting occurred around 8:30 a.m. Monday (2130 GMT Sunday), according to the Australian Broadcasting Corp.
Victoria Police confirmed in an official statement that officers killed a man during an operation targeting Freeman at a property in northeastern Victoria, though they did not confirm the individual’s identity.
“No police officers were injured during the incident,” the statement said, adding that further details would be released later on Monday.
