By Oluyemi Israel
Australian police sources on Tuesday revealed that two officers, aged 59 and 35, were fatally shot and a third seriously wounded while carrying out an arrest warrant near Porepunkah, Victoria.
The officers were attempting to apprehend a 56-year-old man on sexual offence charges.
Police Commissioner Mike Bush described the suspect as “a highly dangerous person” who “murdered the officers in cold blood.”
The man is reportedly armed and may be accompanied by family members, including children.
Authorities noted the suspect identifies as a “so-called sovereign citizen,” a group that denies the authority of state laws.
The incident took place earlier that day, approximately 300 kilometers northeast of Melbourne.
Following the shooting, police launched an extensive search operation involving helicopters and dog units.
Residents received text alerts advising them to remain indoors and exercise extreme caution.