A Marokopa man who has evaded police for almost two years has surfaced again this time trying to smash into a general store about an hour away from his old home, with one of his children helping him, according to police.
Tom Phillips went missing with his three children Ember, Jayda and Maverick in December 2021.
The last time he surfaced, Phillips and another petite person were linked to the armed robbery of Te Kuiti bank; he was also spotted getting supplies at two hardware stores using a stolen ute.
Tom Philips has since been charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding and unlawfully possessing a firearm.
Now police have released security footage allegedly of Philips with his face completely covered, along with what appears to be a child also disguised.
They're trying to smash their way into the Piopio store.
Acting Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders describes how things unfolded.
