Australian Barber Downplays Hero Status After Aiding MP Helen Haines

Ricky Jeffries, a local barber and business owner in Wangaratta, intervened after MP Helen Haines was struck by a car on Monday afternoon, apprehending the alleged driver[4][12]. Jeffries, whose barbershop is next door to Ms. Haines' office, was among the first to respond to the incident, which occurred around 4 pm[12][13]. He disarmed the driver of a knife[12][15]. Despite being lauded as a hero for his actions, Jeffries publicly downplayed the description, stating he "had no choice" but to get involved[4][12].

This incident highlights the immediate response of community members in a critical situation involving a public figure.

What the Records Show

Ricky Jeffries owns RickyChops Barbershop on Murphy Street in Wangaratta, located next to MP Helen Haines' electorate office[11][12]. On Monday, October 19, 2026, Jeffries had just finished cutting a young family's hair when he heard a loud crash[12][13]. He ran from his shop to assist[12][14].

Upon reaching the scene, Jeffries observed a man still in the car, which was running[12]. He saw another individual position themselves in front of the moving vehicle[12]. Jeffries then acted to remove the driver from the car, stating it was "the right and safest thing to do"[12][14]. He held the driver down until police arrived[12][14]. Jeffries also stated that the driver had a knife, which he disarmed[12][15].

MP Helen Haines was reportedly struck twice by a car in front of her office[1][14]. She was taken to the hospital with critical injuries[6][7][8].

Downplaying Heroism

Following his actions, Jeffries was widely praised, with some calling him a hero[12]. However, speaking outside his barbershop on Tuesday morning, Jeffries rejected this label[12]. He repeatedly told a group of media that he did not want to be known as a hero[12]. Instead, he credited other bystanders who immediately got involved, including the person who sat in front of the moving car[4][12]. Jeffries maintained that he felt compelled to act, stating, "I had no choice but to take him out of the car because it was the right and safest thing to do"[12][14].

What we could not confirm

We could not confirm the identity of the other bystander Jeffries credited for positioning themselves in front of the moving vehicle[4][12]. We could also not confirm the exact details of how Jeffries disarmed the driver's knife[12][15].