Shortly after 3:30 pm on Monday, 2026‑10‑19, a car approached the electorate office of independent MP Helen Haines in Wangaratta. The driver, later identified as Brendan Nugent, aged 43, executed a U‑turn and struck Haines twice before coming to a stop. The impact left her injured and prompted immediate reaction from those nearby.
Ricky Jefferies, whose barbershop neighbours Haines’s office, ran outside to see what was happening. He described seeing familiar faces from the Wangaratta community already assisting, including someone who had positioned themselves in front of the moving vehicle. Jefferies helped remove Nugent from the car, restrained him on the ground and, once the driver was no longer a threat, stood with him to prevent his departure. During this process Jefferies confiscated a knife that Nugent had been carrying.
Car allegedly did U-turn and struck Helen Haines twice, as ‘hero’ local barber praised for apprehending driver - https://t.co/Y9MSYoJ1n8 #Auspol
Brendan Nugent remained at the scene until police arrived. He was taken into custody and spent the night at Wangaratta Police Station. Authorities have said they will interview him, though they have not yet identified a motive for the attack. The incident also drew the attention of ASIO, which is participating in the investigation.
Jefferies, however, repeatedly denied the hero label, saying he simply acted when he had the opportunity and that he was merely one person among many who helped.
After the collision, Helen Haines was first taken to a local hospital for initial care. Given the seriousness of her condition, she was then airlifted to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, where she remains in critical condition. The transfer underscored the severity of the injuries sustained from being struck twice.
🚨 BREAKING NEWS: Helen Haines Struck Twice in Wangaratta Independent MP Helen Haines is in critical condition after being struck twice by a car in Wangaratta. The driver allegedly made a U-turn before ramming her near her electorate office. A local barber was praised for apprehending the suspect. Police are currently interviewing the alleged attacker. Haines was airlifted to Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital for emergency surgery. #HelenHaines #Wangaratta #IndependentMP Source: The Guardian
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese publicly labelled Ricky Jefferies a hero for his actions. Jefferies, however, repeatedly denied the hero label, saying he simply acted when he had the opportunity and that he was merely one person among many who helped. He praised other locals who assisted, noting that he did not initially grasp the seriousness of the situation but responded as others were already trying to do.
Police have launched an investigation into the crash, treating it as a potential criminal act. They have confirmed that the driver hit Helen Haines twice, that a knife was recovered from him, and that his motive remains unknown. The involvement of ASIO signals that the inquiry is being treated with heightened scrutiny.
BREAKING: It can be revealed the 43 year old man arrested after the shocking vehicle attack on independent MP Helen Haines is Brendan Nugent. Haines, 65, remains in a critical condition in Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital after she was deliberately struck by a white Toyota LandCruiser outside her Wangaratta electorate office on Monday afternoon. Witnesses described a sharp U-turn before the vehicle pinned her against her own car. She has undergone surgery. A knife was allegedly found inside the vehicle. A bystander performed a citizen’s arrest and restrained the driver until police arrived. The incident is being investigated by Victoria Police, the AFP and ASIO as a potential deliberate attack. No charges have been laid and a motive has not been confirmed.
In the aftermath, members of the Wangaratta community expressed shock and gratitude for the rapid intervention that prevented further harm. Jefferies’ remarks highlighted the collective effort, noting the presence of familiar faces who rushed to aid. The incident has prompted discussions about safety around political offices and the role of bystanders in emergencies.
As of now, Helen Haines continues to receive treatment at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. Brendan Nugent remains in police custody awaiting interview, with no motive established. Ricky Jefferies returns to his barbershop, insisting he was just a person who had a chance to help. The investigation continues, and authorities have not released further details about the driver’s intentions or any potential charges.