Police Shoot New Zealand Fugitive
(MENAFN) A man from New Zealand who had been evading authorities with his three youngsters for nearly four years was fatally shot by police on Monday morning, according to a report by a news agency.
The individual, believed to be Tom Phillips, was killed when officers reacted to an armed break-in at an agricultural supply shop in the rural settlement of Piopio, located in the Waikato area of New Zealand’s North Island.
Police confirmed that one of his children was present but not harmed, while the other two remain unaccounted for.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers validated Phillips’ death and mentioned that police would share further information later on Monday.
As reported by the news agency, Phillips was discovered on a quad bike with one of the children after the robbery.
During the confrontation, he allegedly fired at a police officer, hitting the officer in the head.
The injured officer is hospitalized and anticipated to recover.
He was then shot and killed by another officer.
Phillips disappeared from his family property in the coastal town of Marokopa back in December 2021, taking his three children, who were then 8, 7, and 5 years old.
New Zealand Police believe he brought the children to an unknown location in western Waikato following a conflict with their mother, despite not having lawful custody.
Officials also say Phillips carried out several burglaries while living in hiding.
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