Overview

• Police say Phillips opened fire after spike strips stopped a quad fleeing a reported robbery in Piopio, critically injuring an officer who was airlifted to Waikato Hospital for surgery.
• One child was found unhurt at the scene with Phillips, and the other two were located later that day at a remote bush camp and placed into protective care.
• Investigators recovered multiple firearms and other items from the camp, describing Phillips as heavily armed.
• Police are examining evidence and probing whether anyone helped Phillips evade capture during the years he was missing, with some case details restricted by court order.
• The children's mother expressed relief at their recovery and requested privacy as agencies coordinate their support and reintegration.