On the run for three years: Video shows father hiding in wilderness with children!
Marokopa (New Zealand) - A video recorded by wild boar hunters is causing a stir in New Zealand. It shows four figures in camouflage clothing. They are probably the fugitive Tom Phillips and his children.
It is the first time in three years that a recording of the fugitive father may have surfaced. In 2021, he fled into the wilderness of the Waikato region - but not alone. He took his children Ember (now 8), Maverick (now 9) and Jayda (now 11) with him, as theNew Zealand Herald reported.
The video was taken last Thursday and Andrew Saunders, the lead investigator, rates the latest sighting as "credible". As a result, patrols have been deployed in the area since the evening it was spotted.
"We can't give details, but we want to reassure the public that we have the necessary resources to respond to any information or sighting report," Saunders says.
The main aim is to get the children to safety.
The police are hoping for information from the public
According tothe Daily Mail, an arrest warrant was issued for the fugitive back in September for allegedly robbing a bank while armed.
In June of this year, a reward of around 73,000 euros was offered for information on his whereabouts. The operation ended after eight weeks without any real success.
However, it is assumed that Phillips repeatedly received help during his escape. Anyone who helped him will be considered for immunity from prosecution if they provide information that helps to locate and return the children safely.
The children's mother is relieved that they are all alive. Watching the recording, she recognized her children immediately.
"I'm so glad they're all here. I am so relieved to see all three of my babies. They are all alive," she says.