Fugitive father's life during his time in hiding, as described by New Zealand authorities
In the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island, a dramatic confrontation unfolded between fugitive Tom Phillips and the police. Phillips, who had been on the run since December 2021 following a disagreement with his former partner, was killed in a shootout on Monday.
Phillips, along with one of his children, had been hiding in a bush camp. Signs of small luxuries, such as cans of soft drinks, were found at the campsite, indicating that the family had been there for some time. Authorities also discovered additional firearms and ammunition at the site, raising concerns about the family's intentions.
It is suspected that sympathetic locals may have assisted Phillips in obtaining guns, a quad bike, and other resources during his escape. The police commissioner, Richard Chambers, stated that they had taken four years to consider how to deal with the situation, given the potential dangers posed by Phillips' armed and dangerous status.
The shootout occurred near the bush camp, and the officer involved sustained "confronting" injuries. The officer faces a long road to recovery. One of Phillips' children was present during the shooting and was taken into custody.
In a statement, Commissioner Chambers expressed that a peaceful conclusion would have been difficult, even with their best efforts, due to Phillips' motivation. The family had been mobile and moved frequently, making it challenging for authorities to find them. After a full day's search, the other two siblings were found at a remote campsite approximately 2 kilometers from the shooting site.
Fortunately, all three of Phillips' kids were safely recovered. At the bush camp, there was a fuel container, spare tires, and empty bottles found, suggesting that the family had been prepared for a prolonged stay in the bush.
The police commissioner offered his condolences to Phillips' family and thanked the community for their support during the operation. The investigation into the events leading up to the shootout and the family's time on the run is ongoing.
