The split-second decision that put a dad in danger to save Helen Haines

Ricky Jefferies thought it was a car accident. Then he saw the knife.

For those in the area who know the local barber well, Jefferies’ impulse decision to help a woman struck by a car was entirely unsurprising.

Nor was his instinct to step in when he saw the glint of a knife, disarming the alleged driver whose Toyota Landcruiser hit independent MP Helen Haines.

Haines, 65, remains in a critical condition after she was hit by the car outside her electorate office on Monday afternoon.

As emergency services rushed to help, Jefferies held the alleged driver down until authorities arrived.

A 43-year-old man remains in custody.

“He’s such a selfless person,” said Jessica Bear, the owner of the coffee shop two doors down from Haines’ office. “And it definitely needs to be known about his bravery.”

“Ricky raced out when he thought that it was just a car accident, and he apprehended the man that was in the vehicle,” Bear said.

On Tuesday, everyone from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Wangaratta locals were praising his bravery.

But the barber was back at work, reluctant to speak to media, already cutting hair from 7am.

“He saw a pocket knife and quickly grabbed that out of the way, he just like stayed with the man and held him down until police and stuff arrived,” Bear said.

“Ricky thought in a split second and risked his own life. It could have definitely been a lot more tragic.”

Bear said she had known Jefferies, a husband and father of three young kids, for years.

“We’re very close to them, so I can wholeheartedly say he’s a selfless man. I’m not surprised that he stepped in and tried to do the right thing.”

“He’s a young dad of three kids and has a wife at home, so anything terrible could have happened.”

A vase of flowers rested on the table out the front of Jefferies’ barbershop on Tuesday morning, matching the floral tribute at Haines’ office.

Underneath the vase was a handwritten note for Jefferies. “I hope you are OK. We pray for you. Nev and Donna.”

On Sunrise, Jefferies’ sister Tanya said Jeffries remained in shock.

“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.”

This masthead has reached out to Jefferies and the Alfred Hospital for comment.

Overnight, police said they were still investigating whether the incident in which Haines was injured was a targeted act. It is not yet known whether the parties are known to each other.

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