Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly and Superintendent Craig Darlow provided an update on the ongoing search for fugitive Dezi Freeman. As of early Wednesday, September 10, 2025, police have not confirmed any sightings of Freeman despite receiving numerous tips from the public.

Detective Superintendent Kelly stated that while police have received over 1,000 tips, many of which are alleged sightings, none have been verified. "At this stage, there has been no confirmed sighting of Desmond Freeman," he said.

Superintendent Darlow acknowledged the challenges faced by the Porepunkah community during the past two weeks. He urged residents to remain patient as the police operation continues. "Whilst some of the people in the community might be frustrated with this and have difficulties with this, we request that they be patient and understand that we have a job to do," he said.

Police have conducted extensive searches in the bushlands surrounding Porepunkah since the shooting incident 16 days ago. Darlow noted that teams have searched caves, mineshafts, and huts, and they will continue these efforts as necessary. He emphasized that Freeman is considered armed and dangerous, advising the public not to approach him. "Desmond Freeman is armed and dangerous and presents a significant risk to the community," he warned.

The announcement of a $1 million reward for information leading to Freeman's arrest has prompted a significant response. Detective Superintendent Kelly reported that nearly 200 pieces of information have been received since the reward was made public.

In a related development, the parents of fallen police officer Vadim de Waart-Hottart met with investigators to gain insight into the manhunt for their son's alleged killer. The meeting was arranged to help them understand the scale of the operation. Vadim de Waart-Hottart, 34, was one of two officers killed during a shooting incident on August 26 while serving a warrant for historical sex offenses.

His parents, Carolina de Waart and Alain Hottart, traveled from Belgium to meet with police at a staging area in Ovens, approximately 13 kilometers from Porepunkah. The late officer was honored at a police funeral attended by about 3,000 people last Friday, where he was remembered as a "hero" with a "contagious smile." His brother, Sacha, urged attendees to remember Vadim for "how he lived, not how he died."

The search for Dezi Freeman continues as police remain vigilant in their efforts to locate him.