Victoria Police have launched a renewed and targeted five-day search in Mount Buffalo National Park as the manhunt for fugitive Dezi Freeman enters another critical phase. More than 100 officers and interstate specialists have been deployed in what authorities describe as a significant intelligence-led operation.

The search began on Sunday and is expected to continue throughout the week. Police have warned that road closures and increased law enforcement presence are likely across sections of the national park.

Freeman, 56, has not been seen since August 26, when he allegedly shot and killed two police officers during the execution of a search warrant at his rural property near Porepunkah in northeast Victoria. A third officer was seriously injured in the incident and continues to recover.

Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, 35, died during the confrontation. Their deaths prompted one of the largest manhunts in the state’s history.

Following the shooting, Freeman fled into surrounding bushland. Despite extensive earlier search efforts involving hundreds of officers, no confirmed sightings have been reported.

This latest operation is focused on a specific area within Mount Buffalo National Park. Police say the renewed search is based on information received regarding a gunshot reportedly heard shortly after the fatal incident in August.

Specialist units involved include the Search and Rescue Squad, Public Order Response Team (PORT), Taskforce VIPER, the Critical Incident Response Team, the Dog Squad and the Drone Unit. Local police and Taskforce Summit investigators are also participating.

A cadaver dog from NSW Police has been brought in to assist with the search. Authorities have indicated that the terrain is rugged and challenging, requiring a coordinated multi-agency approach.

Mount Buffalo National Park is known for its dense bushland, steep escarpments and remote tracks. Police say conditions can make systematic searches complex and time-consuming.

Detective Inspector Adam Tilley said investigators are keeping an open mind about Freeman’s fate. He outlined three possibilities that remain under consideration.

“The same three possibilities remain open to us – Freeman is either dead, being harboured, or has gotten out from the area and surviving alone,” Tilley said.

He added that there is currently no intelligence that makes one scenario more likely than the others. As a result, police continue to explore all options through targeted operations.

Tilley emphasized that searches are based on intelligence and evidence gathered over time. He said authorities will maintain a visible presence in the local community for the foreseeable future.

The renewed operation follows previous targeted searches conducted in adjoining areas. Those earlier efforts were focused on locating either evidence linked to Freeman or his remains.

Police have reiterated that a reward of up to one million Australian dollars remains on offer for information leading to Freeman’s arrest. The reward is among the largest ever offered in Victoria for a fugitive case.

Authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to contact Crime Stoppers. Even small details, they say, could prove significant.

The fatal shooting in August occurred when a group of officers attended Freeman’s property with a lawful search warrant. The warrant was reportedly connected to investigations involving alleged offences.

During the operation, Freeman allegedly opened fire on the officers. The exchange left two officers dead and another wounded.

Senior Constable de Waart-Hottart, 35, was remembered by colleagues as a committed and respected officer. Detective Leading Senior Constable Thompson, 59, had been due to retire within days of the incident.

Their deaths have had a lasting impact on Victoria Police and the wider community. Memorial services and tributes were held in the months following the shooting.

Freeman is believed to have fled immediately after the confrontation. Police believe he may have had access to survival equipment and knowledge of the surrounding bushland.

The region around Porepunkah and Mount Buffalo features thick vegetation, waterways and isolated areas that can complicate search efforts. Officers have been using drones and aerial support to scan difficult terrain.

Road closures during the five-day search are expected to affect park visitors and local traffic. Authorities have advised the public to follow directions from police and avoid restricted zones.

Despite months passing since the initial incident, investigators have stressed that the case remains active and ongoing. Police say they are committed to exhausting all avenues.

The involvement of interstate specialists highlights the seriousness of the operation. Cadaver dogs, in particular, are often deployed in cases where investigators are seeking evidence in remote environments.

Detective Inspector Tilley acknowledged the strain that the prolonged manhunt has placed on the local community. He thanked residents for their cooperation and patience.

Police have maintained regular communication with community leaders and local councils. Authorities have also increased patrols in nearby towns as a precaution.

Officials have not disclosed specific search coordinates within Mount Buffalo National Park, citing operational sensitivity. They have indicated that details may be released once the operation concludes.

The search will involve systematic grid sweeps and intelligence-driven assessments. Officers will also evaluate any new information that emerges during the week.

Freeman’s case remains one of the most significant law enforcement operations in Victoria in recent years. The scale of resources committed reflects the gravity of the alleged crimes.

Authorities continue to advise that Freeman should not be approached if sighted. Police have previously warned that he may still be armed and potentially dangerous.

As the five-day search progresses, investigators remain focused on resolving unanswered questions surrounding Freeman’s whereabouts. Whether he is alive, deceased or receiving assistance remains unclear.

The renewed effort signals that police are not scaling back their investigation. Instead, they are intensifying it based on newly assessed information.

For the families of the two fallen officers, the search represents another step toward accountability and closure. Victoria Police leadership has reiterated its commitment to supporting those families.

The one million dollar reward remains active and confidential. Police say anyone who provides information leading to Freeman’s arrest will be eligible under the terms of the reward.

Mount Buffalo National Park will remain under heightened law enforcement presence throughout the operation. Updates are expected as the search unfolds.

Victoria Police have made clear that the manhunt for Dezi Freeman is far from over. Investigators say they will continue intelligence-based searches and community engagement until the case is resolved.