Hunt for cop killer Dezi Freeman risks turning into a 'game of tag' as experts call for tactical overhaul

The hunt for cop killer Dezi Freeman risks becoming a prolonged game of tag unless search tactics and resources are dramatically revised, a former detective says. Luke Taylor warned that the joint police and military operation facing Freeman in the Australian bush is hampered by officers’ inexperience in the wilderness where the suspect is believed to be holed up, and that simply adding more bodies without a targeted approach may not yield a rapid capture.

The investigation began in late August, when about 10 officers arrived to serve a routine search warrant at Freeman’s property in Porepunkah over historic sexual assault charges against a minor. What began as a routine entry turned violent after Freeman refused to unlock the door, a standoff that escalated with officers forcing entry and firing shots. Freeman disappeared into the dense bush after taking weapons from the slain officers, who were later identified as Detective Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart. The incident touched off a massive search that has involved hundreds of personnel and is now approaching its fifth week.

![Freeman pictured years ago in the wilderness](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/09/19/04/102172619-0-image-m-25_1758253644369.jpg