New Zealand fugitive father killed in shootout with police

A New Zealand father who spent nearly four years on the run with his children was killed in a police shootout on Monday, authorities said.

Tom Phillips, who absconded with his three children in December 2021 after a row with his former partner, died in the rolling hill country of the North Island's Waikato region.

Phillips' case captivated the country, particularly in the Waikato area and the town of Marokopa where he was suspected of hiding.

The family eluded capture for nearly four years despite several sightings, including CCTV apparently showing Phillips and a child breaking into a store last month.

But on Monday police said Phillips had been killed after shooting an officer in the head and shoulder with a high-powered rifle after police had been called to a potential burglary.

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