Mon Sep 08 03:44:45 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided information:
**Fugitive New Zealand Father Killed in Police Shootout After Years on the Run with Children**
**Piopio, New Zealand** – Tom Phillips, the New Zealand father who sparked a nationwide manhunt after disappearing with his three children in December 2021, was shot dead by police on Monday following a shootout in the rural town of Piopio.
The incident occurred after police responded to a burglary in the area. According to authorities, Phillips fired “multiple shots” at the first officer on the scene, seriously injuring him. Police returned fire, fatally wounding Phillips.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers confirmed that one of Phillips’s three children was with him at the time of the incident, but was unharmed. Police are currently searching for Phillips’s two other children and are providing support to Phillips’s family.
Phillips had been on the run with his children following a custody dispute with his ex-partner, Cat. His disappearance from the remote community of Marokopa triggered an extensive and ongoing search, captivating the nation and drawing international attention. Despite numerous reported sightings and appeals from family members, Phillips consistently evaded capture. He was also facing criminal charges, including aggravated robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm.
The children’s mother, Cat, released a statement expressing her “deep relief” that her children were safe. “They have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care,” she said.
Authorities had released security footage less than two weeks ago showing Phillips and one of his children allegedly breaking into a rural store, indicating their continued presence in the area. The search for the remaining two children is underway.
First Piper 