NZ Police Shoot Dead Fugitive Father Tom Phillips After Farm Store Break-In

Lead New Zealand police shot and killed Tom Phillips on Monday after he allegedly opened fire during a burglary at a farm supply store near Piopio in Waikato, ending a four-year manhunt during which he had evaded capture with his three children.

Nut Graf Phillips, who disappeared in December 2021 amid a custody dispute, was confronted by officers responding to reports of a break-in. The violent encounter left a police officer critically injured and brought an abrupt end to one of the country’s most prolonged and high-profile evasion cases.

Main Part

• Officers were alerted shortly before dawn to a reported burglary at a rural agricultural supply outlet. Surveillance indicated a quad bike fleeing the scene with two occupants, prompting police to deploy spike strips at a nearby intersection.
• When the vehicle halted, Phillips allegedly discharged multiple rounds at the first officer on scene, striking the officer in the head and causing life-threatening injuries. A second officer returned fire, fatally wounding Phillips.
• One of Phillips’s children was present at the scene and taken into police custody unharmed. The remaining two children were later located at a remote campsite and are receiving support services while authorities continue welfare checks.
• Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers confirmed formal identification is pending but said evidence strongly indicates the deceased is Phillips. She emphasized that ensuring the children’s safety remains the force’s top priority.
• Phillips faced multiple charges, including aggravated robbery and unlawful firearm possession. His disappearance sparked extensive land and sea searches, public appeals, and a NZD 80,000 reward, but credible sightings remained scarce until this week’s dramatic confrontation.

Subheading: Officer Status and Next Steps

• The injured officer was airlifted to Waikato Hospital for surgery and is reported to be in critical but stable condition.
• Police have established a cordon around the rural area near Marokopa to facilitate ongoing searches and investigations.

Subheading: Family Response

• Phillips’s ex-partner issued a statement: “I am profoundly relieved our children are safe after nearly four years. We look forward to bringing them home with love and care, despite the tragic circumstances of today.”