A manhunt is underway in Australia after a gunman shot and killed two police officers and injured a third. Photo by Simon Dallinger/EPA
Authorities in Australia are searching for a gunman after two police officers were shot and killed and another was injured.
Police from the state of Victoria said in a press release Tuesday that a “significant search” is underway for a male suspect who fired on officers while on a property along a road called Rayner Track in the town of Porepunkah.
Ten officers were present at the scene when two were killed by gunfire and a third was “seriously injured after being shot in the lower body.” It has since been reported that the victims were a 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old senior constable.
The suspect then fled into the bush. His wife and children are also unaccounted for.
Local media sources identified the suspect as Dezi Freeman, who claims to be a “sovereign citizen,” which in Australia refers to people who insist they are not subject to Australian laws and government authority.
The media also reported that police were there to serve an arrest warrant for “historical sex offenses.”
The suspect is believed to be somewhere in the Porepunkah area.
Police also said in the release that “the exact circumstances surrounding the incident are still being determined and it remains an active and ongoing situation.”
“All Australians are mourning with the families, loved ones and colleagues of the two Victoria Police officers who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty,” said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on social media Tuesday.
“Our nation’s condolences are with everyone whose world has been shattered by this horrific shooting,” he added.
The public in and around the township is urged to remain indoors, and people are being asked to not travel into the area.
