Landlord Shares Final Words Before Police Ambush

Landlord Andrew Swift spoke with Dezi Freeman shortly before police officers were ambushed. Freeman's last words were confusing, saying he was 'in the bus' and then 'down'.
By Newsroom | Crime, Australia |

Swift's Account Sheds Light on Freeman's Final Communication

Andrew Swift, the landlord of Dezi Freeman, has come forward with his recollections of the events leading up to the fatal shooting of two police officers, Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, on August 26, 2025. Swift, who claims to be the sole eyewitness outside of police and the Freeman family, described a confusing final conversation with Freeman.

Dezi Freeman's landlord makes startling new claims about what REALLY happened that fatal day - and what the cop killer told him after he shot two officers - 1

Swift recounted speaking with Freeman by phone shortly after gunshots were heard. Freeman's responses were contradictory, oscillating between stating he was "in the bus" and then that he was "down… Just be calm." Swift also stated Freeman was not with his wife, Mali, at that time. Swift initially attempted to contact Freeman after Mali herself had called him in distress, saying, "The police are here, and they’ve surrounded the bus, and they’re trying to get in."

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Dezi Freeman's landlord makes startling new claims about what REALLY happened that fatal day - and what the cop killer told him after he shot two officers - 2

Swift, who met Freeman in the 1990s, said he handed over Freeman's mobile number to the police to aid their search after the incident. He also reported that approximately ten officers surrounded the bus on his property, threatening him with arrest if he intervened.

Dezi Freeman's landlord makes startling new claims about what REALLY happened that fatal day - and what the cop killer told him after he shot two officers - 3

Aiding the Wounded

In the chaotic aftermath, Swift stepped in to assist a wounded officer. Initially considering using a tractor, he deemed it unsuitable due to the severity of the officer's injuries. He then decided to retrieve a more appropriate vehicle to transport the injured officer to an awaiting ambulance.

Dezi Freeman's landlord makes startling new claims about what REALLY happened that fatal day - and what the cop killer told him after he shot two officers - 4

Property Under Scrutiny

The Porepunkah property became the epicenter of national attention following the killings. Swift stated his property was effectively surrendered to police for their investigation for two and a half weeks after the officers' deaths. The police reportedly descended on Freeman's makeshift bus to execute a warrant related to suspected child abuse images found on his devices.

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Freeman's End

Freeman evaded capture for months after the ambush, escaping into rugged alpine bushland. A widespread manhunt ensued before specialist officers located him at a remote camp near Thologolong. He was subsequently shot dead by police on March 30, approximately seven months after the initial incident.

Shifting Narratives

Swift has also spoken publicly on a YouTube podcast, "Living Free Movement," hosted by Dave Armstrong. Armstrong claimed that both he and Swift believed crucial aspects of the narrative surrounding the events and Freeman's alleged adherence to "sovereign-citizen ideology" had been misrepresented. Swift also asserted that Freeman told police the warrant executed on August 26 was not valid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Andrew Swift say about his last conversation with Dezi Freeman before the police ambush?
Andrew Swift, Dezi Freeman's landlord, said he spoke to Freeman on the phone after gunshots were heard. Freeman gave confusing answers, saying he was 'in the bus' and then 'down'.
Q: What happened when police arrived at Dezi Freeman's property on August 26, 2025?
Police surrounded Freeman's bus on the property. Freeman's wife had called Swift in distress, saying police were trying to get in. Swift's property was used for the investigation for two and a half weeks.
Q: Did Andrew Swift help anyone after the police ambush?
Yes, Andrew Swift helped a wounded officer. He decided to get a different vehicle to take the injured officer to an ambulance because his tractor was not suitable for the severe injuries.
Q: Why did the police execute a warrant on Dezi Freeman's bus?
Police reportedly went to Freeman's bus to execute a warrant because they suspected child abuse images were found on his devices. Swift stated Freeman told police the warrant was not valid.
Q: How and when was Dezi Freeman found after the ambush?
Dezi Freeman escaped into bushland after the ambush and was on the run for months. Specialist police officers found him at a remote camp near Thologolong on March 30, about seven months after the incident, where he was shot dead.