A civil lawsuit has been initiated against Victoria Police and the state government by Jeremy Sloan, 32, his partner Sarah Naylor, 30, and his father Bryan Sloan, 63. The legal action stems from their arrest and a subsequent search of the Sloan family property on October 1, during a police operation to locate Dezi Freeman, who is sought in connection with the fatal shootings of two police officers.
The plaintiffs allege assault, false imprisonment, and a failure to exercise reasonable care, seeking compensation for psychological trauma.
Incident Unfolds
On October 1, near Undera, approximately 25 kilometers from Shepparton in northern Victoria, Jeremy Sloan and Sarah Naylor were stopped by police. Mr. Sloan stated their vehicle was reportedly forced off the road by an unmarked police car. They were then arrested at gunpoint, ordered to lie facedown, and restrained with zip ties or handcuffs.
Mr. Sloan reported being informed he was under arrest for harboring a fugitive, Dezi Freeman.
Following their arrest, a team of police officers conducted a search of Mr. Sloan’s parents' remote property in Goomalibee, located about 15 kilometers from Benalla. During this operation, Mr. Sloan's father, Bryan Sloan, was detained, and a police helicopter was observed above the property. Mr. Sloan noted damaged gates upon returning to the farm under police escort.
Jeremy Sloan was transported to Shepparton police station for an interview. The family was subsequently cleared of any association with Dezi Freeman, and Mr. Sloan was released.
The Manhunt Context
Authorities have been searching for Dezi Freeman since August 26 of the previous year. He is accused of fatally shooting Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, 35, and Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, in Victoria’s north-east. The officers were reportedly executing a warrant related to alleged historical sexual offenses at the time of the incident. Mr. Freeman remains at large.
Lawsuit Allegations and Claims
A writ has been filed in the Supreme Court of Victoria by the three plaintiffs against the state government of Victoria. The lawsuit alleges assault, false imprisonment, and a failure to exercise reasonable care by the unnamed officers involved in the arrests and raid.
Mr. Sloan maintains he has no connection to Freeman, is not associated with the sovereign citizen movement, and has no criminal record.
His mother, a Victorian Police officer, was not present during the raid and is not a party to the lawsuit. The plaintiffs are seeking compensation, stating the incident caused them psychological trauma.
Jeremy King, principal solicitor at Robinson Gill and representative for the family, stated that the family had not been provided with a reason for their arrests or the property raid. He further commented on the perceived lack of clear justification for an operation of such scale and cost.
Ms. Naylor indicated the purpose of the lawsuit is to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman confirmed that the force had not yet been served with the writ.