New Zealand police said Monday they fatally shot a man who evaded authorities for almost four years after disappearing into the wilderness with three children.
Police attacked Tom Phillips on Monday after shooting an officer in the head in the countryside of New Zealand's North Island, authorities said. Police later discovered that three children, ages 9, 10 and 12, were safe and unharmed.
According to New Zealand police, 38-year-old Phillips disappeared into the wilderness with his children in December 2021.
Jill Rogers, the agency's representative vice-committee, said at a press conference that officials intercepted one of his children and Mr. Phillips after being reported to be robbed at a rural farm supplies store in Waikato early Monday morning.
One of his children was taken into custody after the shooting and supported police, Rogers said at a press conference. Police later said they had placed two other children in a remote campsite.
For many years, Phillips and his children managed to avoid a massive search of land and oceans, and police believed they were off the grid.
Police said Phillips had robbed and broke into a handful. He faces several charges, including worsening robbery, injured injuries and illegal possession of a firearm.
On Monday, Phillips and one of his children were driving an all-terrain vehicle when they were intercepted, Rogers said. Police had placed spikes at the intersection he thought was likely to pass.
After the vehicle ran through the spikes and stopped, Phillips used a powerful rifle to shoot the approaching assistant officer and hit the officer in his head, Rogers said. More police then arrived at the scene and were shot by Phillips and killed him.
The officer was seriously injured but was expected to survive, Rogers said.
This is an updated, developing story.
