Ex-security guard Clifford Hagart recounts ‘horrendous’ moment he confronted knife-wielding Ashley Fildes

It was a flash of yellow that drew Clifford Hagart out of his office at South Hedland shopping centre in May 2020. And for years, that same shade of high-vis yellow took him back to that day. Mr Hagart was working as a security manager at the busy Pilbara shopping centre when he saw a knife-wielding Ashley Fildes trying to stab a female police officer as he pushed her to the ground. Mr Hagart was unarmed. Yet, without a thought about his own safety, he quickly jumped into action, lunging at the knifeman in an attempt to tackle him to the ground. While he was slung to the side, it was that action that helped give time to the other police officer present, who eventually shot Mr Fildes — who was in the grip of a psychotic episode — as he tried to attack again. For this heroic act, Mr Hagart was on Tuesday one of 17 people recognised for their bravery by Governor-General Sam Mostyn, receiving a commendation for brave conduct. But despite the honour, Mr Hagart admits the incident still evokes complicated emotions all these years later. “From a personal point of view, I guess the main thing I had to deal with was that I felt that my attempt to subdue the attacker failed,” he said. “I got knocked on my arse and I sort of feel that I was his last chance at survival. “Because, once I hit the ground and he charged at the police again with that knife, there were no other options other than to use lethal force.” Years after the incident, Mr Hagart decided to take a break from his job as a security guard. “I don’t know what you’d call it, but because he (Mr Fildes) was in high-vis, if I spotted someone in high-vis, your body just automatically sort of goes into high alert,” he said. The security veteran was humble about being recognised for his bravery. “I’m very honoured to receive the award,” he said. “I’ve been in the security industry for 30 years. I had my own company for 25 years and what’s generally well-known in the industry is that security officers — daily — deal with potentially life-threatening situations. “You don’t very often get recognised for that as first responders. Especially in shopping-centre scenarios, you’re often the first responder, so a lot of it goes unrecognised.” A coronial inquest was held following the incident, concluding police had “no choice” but to use lethal force on the 34-year-old after already tasering him three times. At the hearing, Mr Fildes’s parents said they were kept in the dark over their son’s treatment for paranoid schizophrenia. Consultant psychiatrist Dr Adam Brett told the inquiry the man’s care could’ve been improved but was adequate given the resources available in the State at the time. Mr Hagart said the incident still replays in his mind but the “justified” police response helps. “First of all, I think the shooting itself — as unfortunate as it was — was so justified it made it a little bit easier to accept,” he said. “The police did everything they possibly could right up to the last few seconds, from that perspective I think the police did a mighty job.” He said the willingness of bystanders to help also filled him with pride. “Having reviewed all the footage, what I wanted to say is what stood out to me was the level of help that was out there by fellow citizens,” he said. “There were injured people — like at the entry where he came in and stabbed that lady with the baby in the shopping trolley — it was like a little mini triage, people came from everywhere to provide first aid and assistance. “There were other people that had armed themselves that were also following up to try and stop this person.” After the incident, he was commended by then-premier Mark McGowan and former police commissioner Chris Dawson. He was also awarded an Australian Security Medal of Valour. Also recognised in this year’s bravery awards was WA Police Detective Senior Constable Travis Petersen who helped disarm an axe-wielding man while off duty nearly 20 years ago. Det-Sen Const. Petersen was in Bicton in December 2007 driving out of a carpark when he saw a man attacking another person with a weapon. Det-Sen Const. Petersen immediately left his car and approached the offender, allowing the victim to run away. He then engaged in a scuffle with the offender who attempted to hit him with the axe but he was able to hold it off, eventually disarming the man and tackling him to the ground. Ms Mostyn congratulated the recipients. “To each recipient — thank you. In extraordinary circumstances, that most of us are never forced to confront, you acted on an impulse to help someone in need,” she said. “In that moment you were brave and because of your selfless actions, you deserve the recognition of your fellow Australians. “Recipients are united by their selfless, compassionate courage and care and that impulse to help someone else, despite all danger to themselves.”