Fugitive Father: A Tale of Evasion and Endangerment
Tom Phillips, a New Zealand fugitive, was shot dead by police after endangering his children while on the run. He had been evading authorities in Waikato since late 2021. His evasion tactics included moving through remote terrain, prompting a nationwide investigation into those who might have aided him.

In a gripping case that has captured national attention, New Zealand fugitive Tom Phillips was shot dead by police after a dramatic confrontation that left an officer seriously injured. Phillips, who vanished in late 2021 with his three children, had been adeptly evading capture in the remote Waikato region.
Authorities faced immense challenges in apprehending Phillips, who constantly relocated through dense bush and farmlands. Police discovered quad bikes and ammunition at his campsite hideout, raising questions about potential accomplices and access to firearms.
New Zealand's Police Minister and law enforcement officials condemned Phillips' disregard for his children's safety, emphasizing the investigation's next steps: uncovering any accomplices and tracing the source of the firearms he possessed.