Police Kill Sovereign Citizen After Manhunt

0:00It's March 30th. Welcome to Sydney News today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. Victoria Police finally ended a seven-month manhunt today by shooting and killing 56-year-old Desi Freeman during a standoff at a property 2, 100 kilometers northeast of Poor Punca. Freeman had fled into the bush after opening fire on officers executing a warrant for historical sexual offenses back on August 26th, 20, 25, killing two and injuring a third. He was a self-described sovereign citizen with a history of run-ins with authorities from neighbor disputes to trying to arrest a magistrate and his. Wife Amalia even publicly begged him to surrender while denying his extreme views. Tributes poured in for the fallen officers 59-year-old Detective Neil Thompson, a nearly 40-year veteran nearing retirement, and 34-year-old senior constable Vadim Duarte-Hotart, known for his multilingual skills and adventurous spirit, both farewell at police.

1:00Funerals amid community grief, the massive operation involved hundreds of officers, Mount Buffalo Park closures, a record $1 million reward, and targeted cadaver dog. Searchers after police suspected he was already dead, wrapping up as one of Victoria's largest police efforts ever. Chief Commissioner Mike Bush called it, justified closure for everyone touched by this tragedy. Especially the officers' families and the force.