A man who evaded authorities with his three children for nearly four years was shot dead by police on Monday in a confrontation that also left an officer critically injured. The incident took place in the North Island’s Waikato region shortly after Tom Phillips allegedly robbed a farm supplies store, prompting a police response.
At the time of the confrontation, one of Phillips’ children was with him. The other two children were found unaccompanied hours later in a remote forest campsite. The search for the family had been extensive since their disappearance in December 2021, when they became a subject of national intrigue in New Zealand.
Authorities had long believed that Phillips and his children were hiding in the rugged terrain near their home in the small settlement of Marokopa. Despite numerous appeals for information, credible sightings of the family remained scarce. Investigators noted that sightings were primarily limited to surveillance footage capturing Phillips engaging in various criminal activities.
During the encounter on Monday, a police officer sustained gunshot wounds to the head and was undergoing surgery. While authorities confirmed the officer’s injuries were survivable, they indicated that multiple surgeries would be necessary. The police were able to take the child who was with Phillips into custody, and this cooperation enabled them to locate the other two children later that day.
The confrontation stemmed from a robbery at a local agricultural supply store, located in a small town within the same farming region as the family’s last known whereabouts. Jill Rogers, Acting Deputy Police Commissioner, provided updates on the situation, emphasizing the serious concerns for the well-being of Phillips’ children immediately following the shooting.
Phillips had a history of evading authorities, which included a notable disappearance in September 2021. After his truck was found abandoned on a beach, a three-week search was conducted before he and the children reemerged, claiming they had been camping. This incident, along with his subsequent disappearance, had prompted police to suspect that Phillips was attempting to evade authorities due to ongoing custody issues.
The children’s mother, who has been identified as Cat Phillips, expressed her relief that her children were no longer in danger. In a statement to Radio New Zealand, she said, “They have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care.”
Despite his criminal activities, some residents of the isolated rural community expressed support for Phillips. The police had previously offered a reward of 80,000 New Zealand dollars (approximately $47,000 USD) for information about the family’s location, but no leads were generated from this initiative.
Phillips was also wanted for an armed bank robbery that occurred in May 2023, during which he allegedly discharged a firearm at a member of the public while accompanied by one of his children. Authorities confirmed that Phillips did not have legal custody rights for his children, which had been a central issue in the ongoing investigation.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the welfare of the children and their reintegration into society. Law enforcement has reiterated their commitment to ensuring their safety and providing any necessary support as they transition back to normal life.