A New Zealand fugitive has been on the run with his three children for almost four years through the remote wilderness. He was finally caught, along with his young children, on Monday, September 8, 2025. The fugitive, identified as Tom Phillips, was found with one of his children, who has been taken into police custody. The other two children were missing but have since been found and are safe. Phillips’ life ended in a police shoot-out after officers were called to a break-in at a farm goods store in Poipoi. 

Press Conference

The other two children of the fugitive were found approximately at 4:30 p.m. local time. They were less than two miles from the shoot-out in the wilderness on the North Island. The New Zealand police made a statement shortly after. During the press conference, Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers informed the public that the children were found alone and seemingly uninjured, but were transported to a separate location to be medically screened. 

“Specialist Police officers conducting a search within bush near Waitomo located the outstanding children of Tom Phillips. I’m pleased to say they are unharmed and are now safe,” said Rogers. “This is an emotional development. To know the children are safe and now receiving care after nearly four years is an absolute relief.” 

The children’s mother, known as Cat, said she is glad to have her children back but that it is unfortunate how it happened. “Our hope has always been that the children could be returned in a peaceful and safe way for everyone involved,” she said. “They have endured a long and difficult journey, and we ask for privacy as we help them adjust and reintegrate into a stable and loving environment.”

A Fugitive and His Children

After an alleged dispute around Christmas of 2021 between the fugitive and the children’s mother who had sole custody, he fled with his three children: Jayda, Maverick, and Ember. The three are believed to be approximately 9, 10, and 12 years old. According to the Police, he has been living off-grid with them ever since, and he reportedly did not have legal custody. There were several instances of sightings of the fugitive, and despite police efforts, the children remained missing. 

After the shoot-out, one of the siblings was placed in police custody, and Rogers said they “provided information [to police] that has been crucial in narrowing our search.” She acknowledged their safe return but informed the media that they would withhold their current situation. “…While they are safe, this is the start of a long journey of recovery, and their welfare remains our top priority. For that reason, we will not be going into details about where they are now or their mental state,” Rogers said.

Before the Shooting

Weeks leading up to the shooting, police had the fugitive on CCTV footage pulling up to a business in Pipio on a quad bike with one of his children and stealing camping supplies. He had allegedly committed several crimes while evading the public eye, including a robbery in Waikato. Up until 2024, it was unknown whether the children or the fugitive were alive. They were spotted by pig hunters who reported the children were wearing masks and carrying hefty backpacks behind their father, who was guiding them through the woods. 

The day of the shooting, authorities said that “Information came to police that described two people on a quad bike, dressed in farm clothing and wearing headlamps.” The driver of the bike was fleeing the store with stolen items when officers deployed spikes in an intersection that sent the bike off course.

When the bike came to a complete stop, the driver turned and opened fire at close range. The officers responded by firing back, ultimately killing the biker who was later identified as Phillips. First aid was administered, but was unsuccessful. One officer was shot during the shoot-out and suffered critical injuries, but made it to the hospital in time.