Man Charged After MP Helen Haines Struck by Vehicle in Wangaratta

Detectives from Victoria Police's Security Investigation Unit charged a 43-year-old man on Tuesday evening after Member of Parliament Helen Haines was struck by a vehicle in Wangaratta on Monday, 19 October.

According to police, a white Toyota Landcruiser allegedly struck 65-year-old Dr Haines outside an office on Murphy Street at approximately 3:35 p.m. Dr Haines was taken to the hospital with critical injuries, where she remains in a critical but stable condition.

A nearby Highway Patrol Unit arrived at the scene within eight seconds of receiving the call. The 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee was taken into police custody around 3:40 p.m. after being initially restrained by a member of the public. On Tuesday morning, officers executed a search warrant at a property on Great Alpine Road in Tarrawingee.

The man has been charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and the Commonwealth offence of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. Police allege the incident was targeted.

The accused will be held overnight before appearing at the Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Victoria Police stated that the event appears to be an isolated incident with no other known threats connected to the matter. An enhanced police presence, including officers from the Public Order Response Team, has been deployed to Wangaratta. Authorities have asked anyone with CCTV footage, dashcam recordings, or other information to contact Crime Stoppers.

Source