Police arresting a man at Frenchmans Lane in Mt Clear this afternoon. PICTURE: JUSTIN WHITELOCK
Police blocking off Frenchmans Lane in Mt Clear, where a man was arrested. PICTURE: JUSTIN WHITELOCK
A MANHUNT is on for a drug suspect who was shot at by police in Ballarat East this afternoon.
Police have been searching for a young man since about 3pm, after he fled police.
The man’s vehicle was intercepted by police at the intersection of Dodds Lane and Otway Street South at about 3.20pm.
A statement from Victoria Police said the man, aged in his 20s, "refused to comply with police directions”. A police officer then drew and discharged his firearm.
The man fled the scene in his car, which was found more than six kilometres away a short time later on a dirt track near Frenchmans Lane in Mt Clear.
Police blocked off Frenchmans Lane and arrested two males at the scene, but the suspect remains at large.
At least ten police cars were present at the time of the arrests.
The suspect is wanted for burglary and drug offences. It is not known if he is injured.
A police helicopter was seen flying over the Mt Pleasant area for almost an hour this afternoon.
A sections of Dodds Lane in Ballarat East has also been blocked off by police. Both it and Frenchmans Lane have been established as crime scenes.
Police are currently searching for the man who is described as being Caucasian in appearance, with a medium build and brown hair.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.