Detectives from the Security Investigation Unit (SIU) have this evening charged a man after MP Helen Haines was struck by a vehicle in Wangaratta yesterday afternoon.
A 43-year-old Tarrawingee man was taken into police custody around 3.40pm yesterday afternoon after he was initially restrained by a member of the public.
A search warrant was executed at a Great Alpine Road property in Tarrawingee this morning.
The 43-year-old man has since been charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally cause serious injury and the Commonwealth offence of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.
He will be held overnight to appear at Wangaratta Magistrates' Court tomorrow.
Police will allege the incident was targeted.
The charges follow an incident where it will be alleged a white Toyota Landcruiser struck 65-year-old Dr Haines outside an office on Murphy Street about 3.35pm on Monday 19 October.
A Highway Patrol Unit was nearby at the time and on scene within eight seconds of the call coming through.
Dr Haines was conveyed to hospital with critical injuries where she remains in a critical but stable condition.
Victoria Police will continue to maintain an enhanced presence in Wangaratta, including members from the Public Order Response Team who have deployed to the area.
At this stage it appears this is an isolated incident, and there are currently no other known threats connected to this matter.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV or dashcam footage or anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
