UPDATE: Tom Phillips' sister, Rozzi, confirmed he was shot dead in Piopio this morning.
Police are dealing with a shooting in Waitomo, Waikato, not far from where missing Marokopa man Tom Phillips and his three children are believed to be hiding.
According to 1News, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers confirmed in a message to staff that an officer had been shot during a confrontation.
“A confrontation resulted, during which a colleague was shot and injured,” the message read. “The officer has been taken to hospital in a serious condition, but I’m advised he is conscious and talking to his fellow officers.”
“The suspect has been shot by police and has died. A second person has been taken into custody,” Chambers added.
Stuff reports the incident is believed to have stemmed from a burglary at a Waitomo business in the early hours of this morning. Chambers said police were called around 2:30am, while nearby residents reported hearing a low-flying helicopter about 4am.
The event happened to the east of Marokopa, where Phillips is thought to be hiding in the bush. Earlier this month, he and one of his children were suspected of involvement in a burglary at a Piopio business.
For the past four years, it’s believed Phillips and his children have been living in the bush, constantly moving. He already faces multiple charges, including aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Ōtorohanga District mayor Max Baxter told NZ Herald he had a “feeling” the situation was connected to Phillips, but said he didn’t know any more than what police had publicly shared.
A police spokesperson said Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers is travelling to the area and is expected to front media.
Waitomo mayor John Robertson and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon both confirmed they'd been briefed on the situation but wouldn’t go into detail or comment until more information is released.
Police are yet to confirm who was involved.
