Police officer fighting for life after fugitive father – hiding with 3 children – fatally shoots him in the head

A New Zealand police officer is fighting for his life after being shot multiple times in the head during a deadly confrontation with fugitive father Tom Phillips, who had been hiding with his three children in remote bushland for nearly four years. The incident ended the longest manhunt in recent New Zealand history when Phillips was killed by police on September 8, 2025.

Phillips, 36, had been on the run since December 2021 with his children Ember, 9, Maverick, 10, and Jayda, 12, following a custody dispute with their mother. Police believe the family had been living off the grid in the western Waikato region, surviving on Phillips’ hunting and camping skills while evading authorities.

According to Newsweek, the fatal encounter began early Monday morning when police responded to reports of a burglary at a farm supply store in the small town of Piopio. Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers confirmed that when the first officer arrived at the scene, Phillips opened fire at close range. “He has been shot multiple times with a high-powered rifle,” Rogers said of the wounded officer, adding that his injuries were “significant” but “survivable” and would require multiple surgeries.

Children found safe after dramatic search

All three children have now been found safe and uninjured. One child was with Phillips during the shooting and was taken into police custody at the scene. The other two were located later that evening at a remote campsite in dense bush near Marokopa, following an urgent search operation involving helicopters and about 50 police officers.

“I can confirm that the children are well and uninjured, and they will be taken to a location this evening for medical checks,” Rogers told reporters. The child who was with Phillips provided crucial information that helped police locate the other two siblings.

The children’s mother, known only as Cat, expressed relief that the ordeal was over. “We are deeply relieved that for our children this ordeal has come to an end,” she said in a statement. “They have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care.”

Phillips had faced multiple serious charges including aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding, and unlawful possession of a firearm. In May 2023, he was linked to an armed bank robbery in Te Kuiti, and security footage showed him breaking into stores with one of his children. The case gripped New Zealand and generated international headlines, with police offering an $80,000 reward for information leading to the family’s safe return. This story shares similarities with other complex criminal cases that have captured public attention, though few have involved children held for such an extended period.

The wounded officer remains in Waikato Hospital undergoing treatment. Rogers described the shooting as “devastating news for Tom Phillips’ family and is the outcome that nobody wanted.” The incident highlights the dangers faced by police officers in high-risk confrontations with armed suspects, particularly in remote areas where backup may be limited.