Victoria Police have released a statement saying they have arrested a man who allegedly struck a woman with a vehicle in Wangaratta. Police say the woman – known to be Haines – is in hospital with “critical injuries.” This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
Police allege it was a white Toyota Landcruiser that struck Haines on Murphy Street at about 3.35pm, and that a knife was seized from inside the vehicle.
“When he exited the Toyota, the driver, a 43-year-old Tarrawingee man, was arrested at the scene by a passerby. He will be interviewed in relation to the incident,” the statement said.
The woman was taken to hospital with critical injuries. A knife was located by police and seized from inside the Toyota.
At this stage, police are investigating as to whether this was an intentional act.
It is not known yet if the parties are known to each other. Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are en route. The investigation remains ongoing.
Earlier, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a statement about the attack on Helen Haines, confirming that a person was in custody. He described the incident as “horrifying.”
Helen Haines is the independent federal MP for the seat of Indi in Victoria. She has served in parliament since 2019.
Police are continuing their investigation and urge anyone with information to come forward.