New Zealand police have released fresh CCTV footage believed to show a fugitive who disappeared with his three children more than three years ago.
The night-time footage shows two people in full-body clothing - who police are confident is Tom Phillips and one of his children - apparently breaking into a store before driving away on a quad bike.
Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Saunders told a press conference on Friday that the pair had made off with some grocery items.
Mr. Phillips disappeared into the wilderness with his three children in December 2021. Police believe he took the kids after losing legal custody of them.
Since then, a national search has been underway for Mr. Phillips and his children: Ember, Maverick, and Jayda.
Police released the latest footage in hopes that the community would report sightings of them.
The apparent break-in happened on Wednesday around 02:00 local time (Tuesday 14:00 GMT) in Piopio, a small town in northern New Zealand. Police said Mr. Phillips was believed to have unsuccessfully targeted the same store in November 2023.
At the heart of this are three children who have been away from their home for four years. Their well-being is our main focus, Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Saunders emphasized.
Mr. Phillips faces a range of charges including aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding, and illegally possessing a firearm, police said.
Authorities once offered a cash reward for information that could lead to the safe return of the children, but the offer expired without any claims.
Mr. Phillips’s family has publicly pleaded for him to return home, expressing their love and concern in a heartfelt message.
