Barber denies heroism over Haines attack, hails person who sat in front of car

Wangaratta barber denies heroism over Haines attack, hails bystander

The full report

Ricky Jefferies, a barber from Wangaratta, has spoken out about his actions during the attack on independent MP Helen Haines. According to ABC News, Jefferies was one of many locals who rushed to the scene when Haines was struck by a vehicle outside her electorate office.

Jefferies stated that he got the driver, Brendan Nugent, out of the vehicle and prevented him from leaving until police arrived. However, he dismissed his own heroism, instead highlighting the actions of other bystanders. One of these individuals sat in front of the vehicle while Nugent was still at the wheel.

The incident occurred on Monday, with Haines being critically injured and airlifted to the Alfred hospital in Melbourne. Nugent, 43, was arrested and spent the night in custody at Wangaratta Police Station. Police have not yet identified a motive for the attack.

Jefferies emphasized the importance of the community's response, saying, "It was crazy, I just ran out the front to see what was happening and I saw amazing members of the Wangaratta community who I know, or know most of them, and they were helping."

Jefferies' actions were described as assisting the driver out of the vehicle, but not pinning him down. He instead stood with the driver and told him he was not free to leave until police arrived.

The incident has left the community in shock, with Haines remaining in a critical condition. The investigation into the attack is ongoing, with police yet to identify a motive.