# Barber Intervenes in Attack on MP Helen Haines in Wangaratta Local barber Ricky Jefferies subdued an armed attacker following a vehicle collision. - **Source:** [Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News](https://www.smh.com.au/rss/feed.xml) - **Published:** 2026-10-19 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/acc55215-88c0-4150-b2e5-a1b80a3b2efc ## Immediate Response to Incident Ricky Jefferies, a local barber in Wangaratta, witnessed a Toyota Landcruiser strike MP Helen Haines outside her electorate office on Monday. Hearing the impact without braking, he immediately rushed to the scene. Jefferies acted within a split second, prioritizing the safety of the victim despite the significant personal risks involved. ## Disarming the Armed Assailant Upon reaching the driver’s side of the vehicle, Jefferies identified that the driver was armed with a knife. He successfully wrenched the blade from the man’s pocket and tossed it away to neutralize the immediate threat. This decisive action prevented the situation from escalating into a potentially more tragic outcome for everyone. ## Physical Restraint Until Police After disarming the attacker, Jefferies wrestled the man to the ground. He maintained control by using his body weight to hold the assailant down until emergency services and police arrived on the scene. The police subsequently handcuffed the individual, allowing for the formal investigation into the incident to commence immediately thereafter. ## Personal Stakes and Motivation Jefferies, a father of three young children, acknowledged the internal conflict he felt during the confrontation. He briefly considered his family, noting that his wife would be disappointed if he were injured. Despite these personal concerns, he chose to intervene, demonstrating a selfless commitment to the safety of his local community. ## Community and Official Recognition By Tuesday morning, Jefferies was met with gratitude from locals and media outside his barbershop. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Mayor Irene Grant both praised his bravery. Despite the national attention, Jefferies returned to his work at 7am, expressing humility and stating he does not consider himself a hero. ## Condition of Helen Haines Helen Haines, aged 65, remains in critical condition following the collision on Monday afternoon. The incident has left the Wangaratta community in shock as they await further updates. Floral tributes have been placed outside her office, reflecting the local support for the MP during this difficult and uncertain recovery period. ## Ongoing Police Investigation Authorities are currently investigating whether the incident was a targeted act against the Member of Parliament. Police have not yet confirmed if the driver and Haines were known to each other prior to the event. The investigation continues as officials work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the collision and attack. ## Reflecting Local Community Values Mayor Irene Grant highlighted that the actions of Jefferies represent the core values of the Wangaratta community. She emphasized that local residents are known for volunteering and supporting one another during crises. This event serves as a stark reminder of how individual bravery can define the character of a small town. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.smh.com.au/national/victoria/the-split-second-decision-that-put-a-dad-in-danger-to-save-helen-haines-20261020-p616x7.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._