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Police have this afternoon, September 8, announced that the two children of wanted Marokopa man Tom Phillips have been located and are safe and well.
Police Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers told news media that one of Phillips’ children assisted police in the search for their two siblings.
The events of today began unfolding in Waikato this morning after a man was shot dead by police and a police officer was injured following an alleged burglary.
The area the incident happened in is near the location police have been searching for Phillips, who had been hiding from the authorities with his three children since December 2021.
“I’m pleased to say they are unharmed, and are now safe.
“They were located about 4.30pm, in bush, roughly 2km from the location where Tom Phillips died after shooting at police.
“This is an emotional development. To know the children are safe, and now receiving care after nearly four years, is an absolute relief.
“Every person involved in this case has had the welfare of the children at heart.
“While they are safe, this is the start of a long journey of recovery and their welfare remains our top priority.”
Rogers said police would not be going into details about where they are now or their mental state.
“We can say the children were found alone and the scene has been locked down and will be subject to a forensic examination that we expect will last several days.
“A significant amount of work lies ahead of us, but we are grateful to see an end to what has been three years of torment for the children’s family.”
- WAITOMO BURGLARY
“At about 2.30am today, police were called by a member of the public to a burglary at a commercial address in Piopio.
“The caller described two people breaking into a supply store – a male figure wearing a head torch and farm gear, and a shorter person, also wearing a head torch.
“After loading a quad bike with items, they left at about 2.45am and travelled north.
“Based on the descriptions provided, police believed the man was likely to be Tom Phillips, resulting in additional staff, and the police Eagle helicopter, being deployed.
“Responding police set spikes at the intersection of Te Anga and Waipuna Rds, about 3.20am.
“Several minutes later, the quad bike ran over the spikes, and came to a stop shortly after.
“The man fired multiple shots at the first attending police officer as he exited his vehicle at the scene, striking him in the head and shoulder.
“A second police unit was immediately on the scene. Police fired at the armed man, incapacitating him. Police provided first aid, however the offender died at the scene.
“A second person was detained at the scene, where multiple firearms were recovered by police, on and around the quad bike.
“The injured officer was airlifted to hospital about 4.50am.”
- SCENE EXAMINATION AND ENQUIRIES
“A significant police presence is ongoing in Marokopa and urgent enquiries are being made to locate Phillips’ other children, whom we hold serious concerns for.
“The child at the scene is being provided wraparound support and we will not be providing comment on their location at this early time.
“Following the incident, we have been in contact with Phillips’ family and we will be working to provide them with all available support.
“We are also providing support to our staff member who was injured, and other staff at the scene. This has been a confronting and challenging event for them.
“We understand there will be a number of questions about the incident, but at this time, we are limited in the information we can provide.
“A critical incident investigation has been launched and we are now working to establish a complete timeline of events.
“The IPCA has also been notified, as is standard procedure for an incident of this nature.
“Further information will be released when it becomes available.”
