Fugitive Father Hiding in Wilderness with His 3 Kids Since 2021 Appears to Break Into Rural Town Store in New Footage

Fugitive Father Spotted in Wilderness with Children in New CCTV Footage

A fugitive father, who has been on the run with his three children, was recently captured on CCTV footage breaking into a business in a rural town in New Zealand. New Zealand Police released the footage, which they believe shows Tom Phillips with one of his kids. Phillips disappeared with his children – Jayda, 12, Maverick, 10, and Ember, 9 – following a reported dispute with their mother in 2021.

The CCTV footage was recorded in the early hours of Wednesday, Aug. 27, in Piopio, a small town in the Waitomo District. Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Saunders stated that they suspect Phillips, along with one of his children, was involved in the break-in. The pair were seen outside the retail property for about 13 minutes, loading items onto a quadbike before leaving the scene.

Saunders urged anyone with information about the quadbike or the burglary incident to come forward. Phillips is already facing charges such as aggravated robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm. The authorities are primarily concerned about the well-being of the three children who have been away from their home for four years now.

The police suspect that the suspects used a grinder to gain entry into the store during the burglary. Phillips was previously sighted with his children by pig hunters in 2024 on the remote North Island. Despite pleas from Phillips’ family for him to return, he and the children are believed to be living off the grid, with Phillips utilizing survival skills to sustain them.

During his time on the run, Phillips is alleged to have committed various crimes, including a robbery in the Waikato region. An arrest warrant was issued in September 2023 over an armed robbery at a bank in Te Kuiti. New Zealand Police have not provided any recent updates on the case when contacted about the latest CCTV footage.

The family’s emotional appeals for Phillips to come back have highlighted the impact of his absence on their lives. Authorities are continuing their efforts to locate Phillips and ensure the safety and well-being of the children. The community is urged to report any sightings or information that could aid in the apprehension of the fugitive father.

The ongoing saga of the fugitive father and his children underscores the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement in pursuit of suspects on the run. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are working tirelessly to bring this case to a resolution and reunite the children with their mother and extended family.

The case of Tom Phillips serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching consequences of individuals choosing to evade the law and the profound impact such decisions can have on their loved ones. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as authorities strive to bring closure to this troubling situation.