3 children were found safe on after their father, Tom Phillips, was killed in a police shootout in Piopio, New Zealand. Phillips had been on the run with his kids for nearly 4 years. Police spotted him and one child on a quad bike during a robbery response. The bike hit road spikes and crashed. Phillips fired at officers, injuring one. Police then shot Phillips. The other two children were later found at a remote campsite. Phillips, known for his survival skills, had evaded capture since 2021. He disappeared after losing custody of his children. The case had gripped New Zealand, with multiple sightings and break-ins reported over the years. (Updated 8 Sep 2025, 16:27 IST; source: link)
Key Points
- 3 children were found safe on after their father, Tom Phillips, was killed in a police shootout in Piopio, New Zealand
- Phillips had been on the run with his kids for nearly 4 years
- Police spotted him and one child on a quad bike during a robbery response