Police Officer’s Fatal Shooting of Tom Phillips ‘the only Realistic Option’, Watchdog Finds

Tom Phillips shooting: IPCA deems police actions justified

Police were justified in shooting wanted fugitive Tom Phillips deep in the Waitomo bush last year, a decision has ruled. Phillips was shot dead after a...

Police officer’s fatal shooting of Tom Phillips ‘the only realistic option’, watchdog finds

The police officer who shot and killed missing fugitive Tom Phillips was legally justified in doing so after Phillips shot and critically injured another constable, an independent investigation has found.

IPCA rules fatal shooting of Tom Philips was 'justified'

Image – ipca.govt.nz. The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) has concluded that the officer who fatally shot Tom Phillips on Te Anga Road on 8 September 2025 was ‘legally justified’ in acting ‘in self-defence’. Phillips, who had been sought by Police since disappearing with his children in December 2021, was considered armed and highly dangerous following suspected offending involving firearms. After a reported burglary in Piopio, offic…

Police acknowledge and accept IPCA findings - shooting of Tom Phillips

Police acknowledge and accept the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) in relation to the fatal shooting of Tom Phillips in September 2025.The IPCA found that an officer was...