A quiet Tuesday morning in the scenic town of Porepunkah turned into something no one could have imagined. Australian police hunt for a dangerous gunman who killed two officers and wounded another during what should have been a routine warrant service.
But this story goes far beyond just another police operation gone wrong.
When 10 Officers Weren’t Enough
Ten officers attended the alleged gunman’s residence at 10:30 local time (01:30 BST) on Tuesday, having been deployed to to execute a search warrant – a picturesque town of just over 1,000 people nestled 300 kilometres northeast of Melbourne. They were there to execute a search warrant, something they’d done countless times before.
What happened next has left the entire Victorian police force in shock. The officers “were met by the offender and they were murdered in cold blood,” Victoria’s Chief Commissioner of Police Mike Bush told reporters during an emotional press conference.
Australian police hunt for the gunman who killed a 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old senior constable in what authorities are calling an ambush attack.
The Escape Into Wine Country
The shooter didn’t wait around. He fled alone, on foot and heavily armed, into the surrounding forest where hundreds of officers are now conducting one of the largest manhunts Victoria has seen in years.
This isn’t just any forest we’re talking about. Porepunkah, known for its vineyards and scenic vistas, is a gateway to Victoria’s alpine tourist region. The area is vast, remote, and filled with dense bushland that provides perfect cover for someone trying to stay hidden.
Australian police hunt operations are now spread across this challenging terrain, with officers using everything from helicopters to specially trained dogs to track down the suspect.
The Family That Vanished
Here’s where the story gets even more concerning. Police aren’t just looking for the gunman – they’re also searching for his wife and two children, whose whereabouts are unknown.
Local media reports suggest the man may be what’s known as a “sovereign citizen” – someone who believes the government is illegitimate and has no authority over them. These individuals often view police as enemies and can be extremely dangerous when confronted.
The Australian police hunt has taken on extra urgency because authorities don’t know if the family members are with the gunman voluntarily or if they’re in danger.
Schools on Lockdown, Town in Fear
When news of the shooting broke, Porepunkah Primary School went into immediate lockdown. Principal Jill Gillies told ABC Radio Melbourne that around 90 students were sheltering indoors, unsure when it would be safe to leave.
“Police stations have fallen silent in Victoria when we were first notified,” said Police Association Victoria Secretary Wayne Gatt, describing the “shocking and eerie feeling of dread” that swept through the force.
The local airfield was closed, roads were blocked, and residents were told to avoid the area as the Australian police hunt expanded throughout the region.
The Warrant Nobody’s Talking About
Police Commissioner Bush won’t say what the search warrant was for, but local media outlets report it was related to historical sex abuse allegations. He also won’t confirm the gunman’s name or discuss his possible motivations.
What we do know is that when Australian police hunt operations involve this many officers and resources, it’s because they consider the suspect extremely dangerous.
The fact that ten armed officers were sent to serve the warrant suggests police already knew this wasn’t going to be a simple matter.
A Rare Type of Violence in Australia
Shooting deaths like this are incredibly rare in Australia, which makes this Australian police hunt all the more shocking for the local community. The last police officer to be shot and killed on duty was in 2023 in South Australia.
The most recent similar incident happened in 2022, when two officers were shot dead by Christian extremists at a rural property in Queensland. Those three shooters, who were conspiracy theorists that hated police, were killed by officers after a six-hour siege.
Australia’s strict gun laws, introduced after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre where 35 people died, have made such violent incidents uncommon. That’s why this Australian police hunt is making headlines across the country.
The Search That’s Just Beginning
Right now, hundreds of officers are combing through dense forest and rugged terrain as part of this Australian police hunt. They’re dealing with a suspect who knows the area, is heavily armed, and has already proven he’s willing to kill.
The Special Operations Group – Victoria’s elite tactical unit – has been deployed to the scene. These are the officers who handle the most dangerous situations, and their presence shows just how seriously authorities are taking this threat.
Authorities are asking anyone in the area to stay indoors and report any suspicious activity immediately. This Australian police hunt could take days or even weeks, depending on how well the gunman knows the terrain and how far he’s willing to go to avoid capture.
A Community in Mourning
The two officers who died were real people with families, friends, and colleagues who are now dealing with an unimaginable loss. The 59-year-old detective had decades of experience, while the 35-year-old senior constable was still building his career.
“Members of Victoria’s police union were stricken by a shocking and eerie feeling of dread,” Gatt said, reflecting the mood across law enforcement agencies throughout the state.
The wounded officer is in serious condition, and medical teams are working around the clock to save their life as this Australian police hunt continues.
What Happens Next?
This manhunt could go on for quite some time. The suspect has a significant head start, knows the local area, and has access to weapons. The terrain is challenging, and the search area keeps expanding as time passes.
The Australian police hunt will likely involve multiple agencies working together – local police, state tactical units, and possibly federal resources if the situation escalates further.
Residents in Porepunkah and surrounding areas are being asked to remain vigilant and report anything unusual. Schools and businesses in the area are taking extra precautions, and some may remain closed until the suspect is captured.
The Bigger Questions
This incident raises serious questions about police safety and the growing threat posed by anti-government extremists. If the suspect really is a sovereign citizen, this Australian police hunt represents a concerning trend of violence against law enforcement.
The fact that ten armed officers weren’t enough to safely execute a warrant shows just how dangerous these situations can become. Police forces across Australia will be studying what happened here to better protect their officers in future operations.
A Town That Will Never Be the Same
Porepunkah was known for its wine, its views, and its peaceful way of life. Now it’s the centre of one of the biggest Australian police hunt operations in recent memory.
The tourists who usually visit this alpine gateway are staying away, local businesses are shuttered, and families are keeping their children indoors. The ripple effects of this tragedy will be felt long after the gunman is captured.
For now, though, the focus remains on finding the suspect and bringing him to justice. The Australian police hunt continues, with hundreds of officers determined to ensure that the two fallen colleagues didn’t die in vain.
The search goes on, and a community waits for answers.
