Arrests Made in Connection with Dezi Freeman Case

Two men, aged 35 and 48, have been arrested in Victoria's north-east in connection with the case of Dezi Freeman, who was shot dead by police in March 2026 after evading capture for seven months.

Arrests

Victoria Police arrested the two men at separate locations on Monday morning. Police have confirmed the individuals are not related to Freeman. Both men are currently being interviewed.

Background

On August 26, 2025, Freeman shot and killed Leading Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart and Senior Constable Neal Thompson in Porepunkah while police were attempting to serve an arrest warrant. A third police officer was seriously injured during the incident.

Freeman had been wanted for evading roadside drug tests and traffic stops. He was reportedly associated with the sovereign citizen movement.

Coroners Court Hearing

The arrests coincide with a directions hearing at the Coroners Court, which is investigating the deaths of the two officers and the circumstances surrounding Freeman's death.

During the hearing on Monday, Counsel Assisting the Coroner Lindsay Spence provided new details regarding Freeman's death on March 30, 2026. Spence stated that a week before his death, police received intelligence indicating that Freeman was hiding at a property in Thologolong, a location approximately 50 km from Albury.