New Zealand Fugitive Father Shot Dead After Four-Year Manhunt, Children Found Safe

Tom Phillips, a New Zealand man who had been on the run with his three children for nearly four years, was shot dead by police following a confrontation during a robbery in the Waikato region. The incident occurred early Monday when police deployed road spikes to stop Phillips' vehicle, leading to a shootout where an officer was critically injured by gunfire. One child was with Phillips during the confrontation, while the other two were later found safe at a remote campsite in dense bush. Phillips had initially disappeared in 2021 amid a custody dispute and had evaded capture despite numerous sightings and extensive searches, with some local residents reportedly supporting him. Authorities confirmed that all three children are unharmed and are undergoing medical checks, while the case has drawn significant national attention due to its unusual and prolonged nature. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the event as a sombre day for the country, paying tribute to the injured officer.