*Attached video: How to report a missing person
(WJW) – A fugitive father and his three kids who went missing in 2021 were caught on video for the first time in three years.
According to New Zealand Police, Tom Phillips was allegedly seen with his children, 11-year-old Jayda, 9-year-old Maverick and 8-year-old Ember, on New Zealand’s remote North Island on Monday evening.
“This was a credible sighting, and police believe it was indeed Tom and his children,” a press release from New Zealand Police said.
According to police, patrols began in the area Thursday night and a search was launched Friday morning after police were made aware of the video.
“While we cannot go into detail, we want to reassure the public that we have the resources in place to respond to any information or reports of sightings that come in,” the release said. “Our focus is very much on the safe return of Jayda, Maverick and Ember to their (family) and we are doing all that we can to make that happen.”
There have been several sightings of Philips and his children since they went missing in 2021. According to a press release from New Zealand Police on Sept. 5, 2023, a warrant for the arrest of Phillips was issued after a robbery in Te Kuiti.
Phillips was charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding and unlawfully possessing a firearm after the robbery in May of 2023.
“Police have been seeking to speak with Phillips for some time,” the release said. “We have issued several appeals for information following sightings of Phillips over the last couple of months.”
The children’s mother has not seen them since 2021.
According to the New Zealand Herald, their mother is relieved to see “all three of my babies.”
New Zealand Police are asking that anyone who has information about Phillips and his children contact the police.