Summary
A New Zealand father, Tom Phillips, was killed by police after being on the run with his three children since 2021 due to a custody dispute. He was hiding at a bushland campsite with weapons and was shot by police after opening fire, injuring an officer. The children were safely recovered, and several firearms were found at the campsite.
Key Facts
- Tom Phillips was hiding in a bushland campsite with his children since 2021.
- He was involved in a custody dispute with his former partner.
- Police confronted Phillips after a burglary, and he opened fire, critically injuring an officer.
- Phillips was killed by police during the encounter.
- The children, aged 12, 10, and nine, were safely recovered by authorities.
- Several firearms and two quad bikes were found at the campsite.
- Police had been trying for years to resolve the situation peacefully.
- Phillips had been seen multiple times but evaded capture until this incident.
