A father of New Zealand, disappeared in nature for almost four years with his children, was killed during a confrontation with the police, authorities announced on Monday, September 8.
Tom Phillips fled with his three children in December 2021 after an argument with his ex -partner. The early hours of Monday, the police was called for a flight in a store in Waikato, on the island of the North, supposedly committed by two people aboard a quad. Until now, Tom Phillips had managed to escape from any arrest, despite several reports, particularly for an earlier attempted at a store last month.
“Knowing that we already had information that indicated that Tom Phillips was also in this area, they were called reinforcements and they went there,” said Jill Rogers, an assistant commissioner of the Northern District region.
Police intercepted the quad using a tip placed on the road, after which they shot themselves. The assistant commissioner added that a “second patrol arrived and dedicated himself to the fight” with the fugitive, who then died.
The mother “deeply relieved”
Tom Phillips was accompanied by one of his children. He was not injured and was treated by the police. “We are conducting urgent investigation to locate the other children of Tom Phillips, for whom we are very worried,” said Rogers.
Police suspected that Tom Phillips had committed several crimes from his flight and accused him of aggravated robbery, serious injuries and illegal possession of a firearm.
The mother of the three children, called Cat, said she was “deeply relieved” that the test was over. “They missed us a lot every day, and we hope to welcome you at home,” he told the Rnz Radio Canal.
“At the same time, we are saddened by today’s events. We have always expected children to return to peace and security.” The mother asked to respect the right to family privacy for children to return to a “stable and loving environment” after “suffering a long and difficult period.”
Source: BFM TV
