New Zealand dad shot dead by police after years on the run with children

Armed and dangerous: The fugitive's earlier escape

A New Zealand man, wanted in Australia for armed robbery, was killed in a shootout with police on Monday afternoon-with his three young children in the car. The children, reportedly aged four, eight, and nine, were physically unharmed and are now with their mother.

The man's history of violence

The deceased, identified as a 43-year-old Christchurch native, had been the subject of a manhunt that spanned two Australian states and involved multiple police agencies. Authorities believe the man was responsible for an armed robbery in the state of Victoria last week, and may have been involved in a violent confrontation during an attempted robbery the week before.

Police chase and shootout

Police located and pursued the suspect's vehicle in suburban Melbourne, Victoria around 4:30 pm local time on Monday. After pulling the man over, officers reportedly attempted to arrest him and remove the children from the car. The suspect produced a firearm and shots were fired, with police firing back.

The aftermath

The suspect died at the scene, while the children, unharmed, were taken to a nearby police station and then released to their mother. Investigators are seeking further information on the man's activities and crimes in the lead-up to Monday's incident.