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

Wangaratta: 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’ split-second decision to run to help a woman struck by a car was entirely unsurprising.

So 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 outside her Wangaratta office and tossing the blade away.

As emergency services rushed to help, Jefferies pulled the man out of the car and held the alleged driver down until he was handcuffed.

“I heard a bang with no brakes,” he said. “I just ran out the front to see what was happening.”

“I had no choice but to take him out of the car because it was the right and safest thing to do.”

Haines, 65, remains in a critical condition after being hit by the car outside her electorate office on Monday afternoon. She has lost one leg, with surgeons fighting to save the other, sources have told this masthead.

When he arrived on Tuesday morning to open his barbershop, Jefferies found himself having to push through a crowd of grateful locals and media who were all there for him.

“I’m surprised to see everyone here,” he said.

“I don’t think I’m a hero. I was a person who had an opportunity to intervene in a safe-ish sort of way. I’m humbled, and I’m grateful and blessed to have been there to help.”

A 43-year-old man, Brendan Nugent, remains in custody.

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

Albanese told this masthead’s Melbourne Assembly forum that he had the chance to thank Jefferies on behalf of the nation during a phone call this afternoon.

“This is just a bloke, as he said to me. He said it was just the right thing to do, but he did run into danger, not knowing what the consequences could potentially be for him. Just running to help someone else is a great example of the Australian spirit and the best of the Australian character,” he said.

“So I think that even in dark times, we see light, and what Ricky represents is light, and light will win over darkness each and every time.”

Albanese said Jefferies was “just so humble” and that he was able to speak to the barber’s family and share his thanks with them.

Jessica Bear, the owner of the coffee shop two doors down from Haines’ office, said Jefferies actions spoke to his selflessness as a person. “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.

“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 children, 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,” Bear said.

“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.”

Jefferies was joined by several other locals shortly after, including Cody Lepoidevin. The 20-year-old was working across the street when he heard jolts and screams.

He said initially it looked like an accident, but then he saw the car drive forward again “at least three times”.

“We thought he was trying to run away, but he then reversed and drove back into her another three times before trying to flee,” Lepoidevin told reporters.

“I was there to restrain him [Nugent] against the wall, but yeah, more or less they got him out of the car. He was quite delirious … from there on, it was pretty much just blur. We did what we could.”

Nugent is expected to be interviewed by police later on Tuesday.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush joined the chorus of praise for Jefferies, Lepoidevin and the others who intervened.

“They put their own lives in jeopardy to get in front of what was occurring,” Bush said at a press conference on Tuesday. “I’d also like to acknowledge our staff that were on the scene actually within eight seconds.”

As Wangaratta continues to comprehend the terrible incident that has put it on the national stage, the locals’ actions have shown what the town is all about, according to Mayor Irene Grant.

“That’s the sort of thing that I think we are known for, our community,” she said.

“We volunteer, we step up, we support each other, and never more so than in a situation like this, people do rally, and I think that will be what will happen as the days unfold.”

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