Accused gunman Dezi Freeman’s wife Amalia was at their Porepunkah property when two police officers were fatally shot, police have confirmed on the ninth day of the manhunt for Freeman.
Crime Command Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly said Amalia was present at the semi-rural property on August 27 and may also face charges “in due course” for obstructing police, when he addressed media today.
Amalia previously called for her husband to turn himself in and has spoke with police.
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“She has been interviewed by Victoria Police for obstructing police at the time of the incident the crime that occurred, and a brief of evidence will be compiled, and she may be charged in due course,” Kelly said this afternoon.
Amalia described her “deep sorrow” on Sunday in a statement to media over the deaths of officers Neal Thompson, 59, and Vadim de Waart-Hottart, 35, on August 27.
“We are truly sorry for your loss, and the suffering and grief that the families, friends and colleagues are now experiencing. My children and I grieve for the loss of your loved ones,” she said in a statement.
Police again today appealed directly to Freeman to surrender.
The accused cop killer remains on the run and there has been no official sighting of him since he allegedly gunned down
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush appealed to Freeman to hand himself in while speaking to media.
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“I do appeal to the person responsible to hand themselves in immediately and my message to him is that your destiny is in your hands,” Bush said.
Hundreds of police officers with specialist support have been deployed in Victoria’s Hume region in the state’s north-east as the search for Freeman continues.
Bush said over 100 properties have been searched and hundreds of pieces of information have been collected so far, including from associates of Freeman.
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“Victoria Police is very much open to receiving further information that will lead to a safe arrest and that safe arrest can occur if the person responsible for these crimes hands himself in,” Bush added.
“And we’re still very much open to that possibility and that can be arranged.”
The state’s fugitive squad forms part of the huge police operation into finding and apprehending Freeman.
“History suggests that we will find the person responsible and we will locate them and put them before the courts,” Bush added.
Police are still operating on the theory Freeman is being helped by a member of the public, Bush said.
“That, too, is a real possibility, and we’re alive to that possibility and we plan for that possibility. And that’s why we appeal not just to him, but to all of his associates,” Bush said.
“He does not deserve to be protected.”
When asked if police had considered offering a financial reward in the manhunt for Freeman, Bush said it was a possibility.
ADF joins manhunt for Freeman
The Australian Defence Force joined the hunt for Freeman earlier today.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said a military planning specialist, as well as aerial surveillance assets, had joined forces with police.
“The Australian Defence Force will work with the Victorian police, as they request our assistance in terms of the particular assets and capabilities that we have, to bring Dezi Freeman to justice,” he told ABC.
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Police have said they believe Freeman, who is alleged to have shot dead two police officers who were executing a search warrant at his home in Porepunkah, regional Victoria, may be receiving help from members of the public.
The 56-year-old, who has been linked to the so-called “sovereign citizen” movement, has not been seen since the shooting.
Police yesterday swooped on a number of properties in the regional town of Wangaratta, about 75km from Porepunkah.
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An information caravan remains in place next to the church on Ireland Street, Wangaratta, for people to offer tips and intelligence.
It is staffed by police throughout the day.
Heavily-armed officers also returned to Freeman’s property yesterday, with assets including armoured bearcat vehicles.
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Superintendent Brett Kahan has called for Freeman to contact triple zero to make a “surrender plan” – along with anybody who has been harbouring or assisting him.
Retired police officer Ian Veitch told 9News police believed the help Freeman was receiving might not be a hiding place, but assistance to help him keep moving around.
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