Additional Coverage:
Porepunkah, Australia – A massive manhunt is underway for a gunman who ambushed and killed two police officers and wounded a third near this small town northeast of Melbourne. The suspect, identified as 56-year-old Desmond Filby, also known as Desmond Freeman, is considered armed and dangerous.
The deadly encounter unfolded Tuesday morning when ten officers arrived at a property on Rayner Track. Filby allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding two officers and injuring another before escaping into the surrounding bushland. Police have established a large cordon and are urging residents to stay indoors as the search intensifies.
Commissioner Mike Bush of Victoria Police confirmed the suspect is believed to be carrying multiple firearms and warned the public not to approach him. Filby is described as a white male, 6 feet tall with a medium build, short dark hair, and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing dark khaki tracksuit pants, a dark green rain jacket, brown Blundstone boots, and reading glasses.
While the motive for the shooting remains unclear, Commissioner Bush stated the officers were at the property to execute a warrant and that the team included local police and members of the sexual offenses and child investigation team. He declined to elaborate further out of respect for the victims involved.
Concerns of a hostage situation were alleviated Tuesday evening when Filby’s partner and child presented themselves at a police station. Media reports suggest Filby may identify as a “sovereign citizen,” but Commissioner Bush refrained from commenting on the suspect’s background, simply stating they “had a good profile on that person.”
The fallen officers were identified as Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, a 36-year veteran of the force, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35, who joined the Victoria Police Academy in 2018. The injured officer has undergone surgery and is expected to recover.
Commissioner Bush offered condolences and assured ongoing support for the officers and their families during this difficult time. The search for Filby continues.