An Australian lawmaker is critical but stable after being hit by a car, PM says– abcnews.com

MELBOURNE, Australia — An Australian federal lawmaker remained in a hospital in a critical but stable condition, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Tuesday as he praised a barber who helped restrain a driver accused of deliberately hitting her.

Helen Haines, a 65-year-old independent politician, was struck by a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV on Monday outside her office in her electorate in the city of Wangaratta in Victoria state. The 43-year-old driver remained in police custody on Tuesday.

Albanese said he phoned local barber Ricky Jefferies, who had run from his store to help members of the public detain the suspect, to thank him on Tuesday for intervening.

“It’s a reminder that at the worst of times, we see the best of the Australian character,” Albanese said in Melbourne.

Jefferies had earlier told reporters he searched the driver’s pockets and removed a knife. Police confirmed a knife had been found. Jefferies also said he did not consider himself a hero.

“It was crazy,” he said. “I just ran out the front to see what was happening and … amazing members of the Wangaratta community who I know, or know most of them, and they were helping.”