Manhunt Underway After Fatal Shooting of Two Police Officers in Victoria

Wed Oct 22 2025 11:50:26 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A manhunt is currently in progress in Porepunkah, Victoria, where two police officers were shot dead during an ambush while serving an arrest warrant. Authorities describe the suspect as 'heavily armed' and urge locals to stay indoors.

Authorities in Porepunkah, Australia, are conducting a massive manhunt after two police officers were ambushed and murdered while executing an arrest warrant. The situation is classified as 'active' as police search for the armed suspect who fled into the bush.

A huge manhunt is underway for a heavily armed male suspect after two Australian police officers were shot dead and one injured in an ambush at a property in the small rural town of Porepunkah, located in Victoria state.

Police have described the situation in the area, approximately 300 kilometers northeast of Melbourne, as an active incident with hundreds of personnel deployed to locate the suspect. The officers were attacked while attending the property to serve an arrest warrant for historical sex offenses.

Following the shooting, the suspect escaped into the surrounding bushland on foot. Authorities are also trying to locate his wife and children, as he was alone during the incident.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush reported that ten officers arrived at the site around 10:30 AM local time when they were fired upon by a heavily armed offender, who is now wanted for the cold-blooded murders of a 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old senior constable. A third officer sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a hospital.

The police chief emphasized the urgency to apprehend this dangerous suspect and has advised residents to remain indoors until further notice. The man is believed to have acted independently during the attack.

Residents of Porepunkah, which has a population of about 1,000, expressed shock at the violent incident, as the community typically enjoys a peaceful environment.

In a statement, the Mayor of Alpine Shire, Sarah Nicholas, extended condolences and support to the families of the fallen officers, highlighting the deep sorrow felt in the community.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan praised the bravery of the police officers involved. Reports indicate that the alleged gunman identifies as a self-declared sovereign citizen, a belief system that has seen a resurgence in Australia, exacerbated by distrust in authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite strict gun laws in Australia, incidents of gun violence remain a concern, as noted by the Australian Federal Police.