Manhunt in Australian Wilderness After Gunman Kills Two Police Officers,

A massive manhunt is underway in rural southeastern Australia after a gunman shot dead two police officers and seriously injured another during a violent confrontation in the small town of Porepunkah, Victoria.

Authorities have identified the suspect as 56-year-old Dezi Freeman, described as heavily armed and skilled in bush survival, according to Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush.

Hundreds of officers, backed by helicopters and drones, have been deployed across the rugged bushland as the search for Freeman entered its second day on Wednesday. Residents in the area have been urged to remain indoors and report any sightings immediately.

The deadly encounter occurred on Tuesday when ten armed officers attempted to execute a search warrant at Freeman’s rural property, about 320 kilometres (200 miles) northeast of Melbourne.

Commissioner Bush said the suspect opened fire without warning, killing two officers instantly and leaving a third with life-threatening injuries. “This is a devastating day for Victoria Police and for the families of the officers involved,” he said.

Authorities have described Freeman as “extremely dangerous” and believe he is still armed and hiding somewhere in the Alpine region. Police have established multiple checkpoints and are conducting house-to-house searches.

Local schools and businesses have been closed as the community reels from one of the deadliest attacks on Australian police in recent years.