Wanted father, accompanied by one child, allegedly sighted by authorities following years of absence, according to law enforcement reports
In a recent development, Tom Phillips, a father-of-three, has been identified in CCTV footage that was released earlier this week. The well-being of the three children, who have been missing for four years, remains the main focus.
The footage, captured in the small town of Piopio on New Zealand's North Island, shows a masked man with a child examining a storefront at around 2am on Wednesday. The pair are believed to be Phillips and one of his children. The CCTV footage also shows the pair leaving the shop with a number of grocery items.
Police suspect Phillips was involved in the armed robbery of a bank in May 2023 and believe his actions could be linked to a custody battle. Tom Phillips faces charges including aggravated robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm, and aggravated wounding.
Phillips' family recently appealed for him to return home, and his mother expressed her sadness in a letter, stating that he left without considering their love and support.
Ember, another daughter of Phillips, and Maverick, his son, were also reported missing with Phillips in December 2021. Ember is currently 9 years old, and Maverick is 10 years old. Jayda, one of Phillips' daughters, is also seen in the CCTV footage. Jayda is currently 12 years old.
In a concerning turn of events, Phillips was also identified as the suspect thought to be behind the theft of a quad bike in November 2023. The pair in the footage were in the area for 13 minutes and were seen traveling on a quad bike.
However, there is no information in the search results about the identity of the person who might be seen in the 2023 CCTV footage in New Zealand observing a shopfront with a child and trying to enter a building with power tools.
Police launched a major search for Phillips and his children last October after a "credible sighting". The well-being of the three children continues to be the priority, and anyone with information is urged to contact the authorities.
