Stabbing suspect is still on the run

By Kath Gannaway
THE man police want to question after the stabbing on 7 December of Healesville police officer Senior Constable Chris Bullen, has so far eluded a prolonged and extensive police search.
As at the time of the Mail going to press, the last confirmed sighting of James D’Zilva was in Healesville on Friday night, 17 December.
Police letterboxed households in Yarra Glen and Christmas Hills on Thursday 16 December as the search for 33-year-old Mr D’Zilva reached its 10th day.
Over the past two weeks the search has moved from Healesville where he was known to be living rough for at least two weeks prior to the stabbing incident, to Hurstbridge, Panton Hills, Christmas Hills and back to Healesville.
Superintendent Jeff Forti appealed to the public for assistance on Thursday saying Mr D’Zilva had taken food and clothing in the past few days, and that they believed they had contained him to an area between Kangaroo Ground and Yarra Glen.
Appealing to the public for information and restraint he said Mr D’Zilva had a diagnosis of Disorganised Schizophrenia and that he had not had his medication.
“We are very eager to find this person before he comes to harm, or harms someone else,” he said.
He said that while Mr D’Zilva had covered large areas, including dense bushland, and evaded police over the past 10 days, there were indications he was becoming weaker.
“Because of his condition, and observations last night, we know he is in a disorientated state, looking very distressed and dishevelled and we know he has not eaten for quite some time,” he said.
Healesville’s Sergeant Wayne Williams added his appeal to Healesville locals over the weekend.
“I would ask locals in Healesville to be mindful that this person may be in the area again. If seen you should leave him alone and call Triple-Zero as soon as possible,” he said.
He said chasing Mr D’Zilva would only further hinder police searches.
“Although it appears instances of theft are increasing, D’Zilva has not caused any harm to any person since the stabbing and has been reported speaking to several witnesses over the last week,’ he said.
“People should be mindful that he is not a well man and police are keen to apprehend him so he can receive help,” he said.
Both Supt Forti and Sgt Williams appealed to people to notify police if they notice clothing or food missing, especially from sheds or store-houses on the outskirts of Healesville.
Sgt Williams said many get-well messages had been received at the police station for Sen Const Bullen and had been passed on to him.
Sen Const Bullen sustained eight stab wounds requiring surgery, which Sgt Williams said went well.
He said he was discharged from hospital on Friday afternoon, 10 December and was recovering well at home and looking forward to returning to work.
“All the get-well, and thoughtful messages have been passed on to Senior Constable Bullen and he is thankful for the concern,” Sgt Williams said.