Melbourne Gripped by Two Tragic Shooting Incidents: Police Manhunt and Child Fatality
Two Separate Shooting Incidents Shake Melbourne Region
A major police operation continues in Porepunkah, Victoria, following the shooting incident of August 26, 2025, where a self-proclaimed sovereign citizen, Dezi Bird Freeman, allegedly opened fire on police officers. Two Victoria Police officers, Neal Thompson and Vadim De Waart-Hottart, were killed in the incident.
The incident has prompted a massive manhunt involving hundreds of police officers, with support from the Australian Defence Force. Police believe members of the Porepunkah community may be helping Freeman hide from authorities.
Impact on Community and Response
The ongoing manhunt has significantly impacted the Porepunkah community, effectively placing the town into lockdown. The situation has particularly affected local businesses in the town, which relies heavily on tourism, especially skiing and snow sports.
The tragic incident has sparked widespread mourning, with De Waart-Hottart’s funeral held on September 5, 2025, at the Victoria Police Academy in Glen Waverley, attended by more than 1,000 mourners. Many landmarks across Victoria were illuminated in blue to pay tribute to the fallen officers.
Separate Tragedy in Melbourne
In a separate incident, the Melbourne Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division is investigating a tragic shooting that resulted in the death of two-year-old Bles’Syn Lightner. Two additional victims, a 54-year-old male and a 48-year-old female, remain hospitalized from injuries sustained during the incident.
According to police statements, the victims were shot inside their residence. While specific details remain confidential due to the ongoing investigation, authorities have confirmed that the scene has been thoroughly processed and all available evidence is under review.
Call for Public Assistance
Police are urging anyone with information about either case to come forward. For the Melbourne incident, individuals can contact the Melbourne Police Department or Crimeline, with anonymous callers potentially eligible for rewards up to $5,000.
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