A father-of-three barber who disarmed and restrained a driver after federal MP Helen Haines was struck by a four-wheel-drive has been hailed a hero by the Prime Minister.
Ricky Jefferies rushed from his Wangaratta barbershop in northeast Victoria on Monday afternoon after witnessing what he initially believed was a car accident outside the independent MP’s electorate office.
The local business owner allegedly pulled the driver from his Toyota LandCruiser, removed a knife and held him down until police arrived.
Ms Haines, 65, remains in a critical condition at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital after undergoing emergency surgery following the alleged deliberate attack.
Mr Jefferies’ sister Tanya told Sunrise her brother had put himself in danger while intervening.
“It’s a terrifying incident and shocking and we’re still kind of processing it, and I’m so scared of what could have happened,” she said.
“Ricky didn’t end up being hurt, but it was such a serious incident.
“He put himself in such danger along with everybody else who helped.”
Tanya said her brother had not considered himself a hero despite receiving widespread praise for his actions.
“He very much doesn’t feel like he’s a hero,” she said.
“I just feel this overwhelming feeling of pride I’ve never felt. I’m just so proud of him.”
Mr Jefferies owns RickyChops Barbershop on Murphy St, next to Ms Haines’ electorate office.
Flowers and a handwritten note were left outside the business.
“I hope you are OK. We pray for you. Nev and Donna,” the note read.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the barber’s intervention, saying it may have prevented further injuries.
“It’s got to be said here that at this dark and terrible time, an element of light is the fact that a good Samaritan, someone rushed to Helen’s defence in Wangaratta … and that person is a hero today,” he told the Today show.
“And I just think that he deserves enormous praise and thanks for his intervention, which could have prevented even more further infliction of damage, which was aimed at Helen.”
Ms Haines was reportedly retrieving belongings from the boot of her car about 3.30pm on Monday when she was struck by a white Toyota LandCruiser.
Mr Albanese said the driver appeared to have made a U-turn before striking the MP.
“This wasn’t an accident. There was a deliberate act, it would appear,” he told the ABC’s 7.30 program.
A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee, near Wangaratta, was arrested at the scene and remains in custody on Tuesday morning.
Police are investigating the circumstances of the incident, including whether Ms Haines was deliberately targeted and whether the pair knew each other.
Acting Superintendent Ashley Mason thanked members of the public who intervened.
“This would have been a tragic, horrific incident for people to witness,” he said.
“For those that were nearby and those that were involved and assisted in detaining the male and then also provided any assistance to the injured female, I just thank them.”
DMs Haines’ family also thanked those who rushed to her aid.
“We thank the swift assistance of bystanders and the dedicated health workers who assisted her, and police for their response,” the family said.
“Please keep Helen in your thoughts.”