Police have fatally shot fugitive father, Tom Phillips, and rescued one of his children in a dramatic confrontation following a burglary in Piopio this morning.
Police say Mr Phillips opened fire on attending officers after his quad bike tyres were spiked by Police in response to the break-in. One officer was struck by a bullet in the upper body, causing serious injuries.
“Police returned fire, hitting the armed man, who died at the scene,” said Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers.
Formal identification is yet to be completed, but Police believe the man to be Mr Phillips, who has been on the run with his children since December 2021.
“With the man was a child, who was not injured in the incident. They have spoken with Police this morning and receiving care. We are not in a position to identify the young person at this time,” said A/Deputy Commissioner Rogers.
At around 2.30am, Police had been 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,” A/Deputy Commissioner Rogers explained.
“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, she confirmed.
“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.
A significant Police presence is ongoing in Marokopa and urgent enquiries are being made to locate Mr Phillips’ other children, who Police say they 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 Police 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, the A/Deputy Commissioner said.
