Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) officers have arrested a man and seized an imitation firearm after a series of incidents across the south-eastern suburbs on New Year's Day.
The 29-year-old man was arrested at a convenience store carpark, at the corner of Whitehorse and Elgar roads, when CIRT officers moved in about 10.20pm.
The arrest followed several reports to police the man, who was believed armed with a firearm, attempted to hold up a bottle shop before he allegedly threatened a man and woman and stole a car.
In the first incident the man entered a bottle shop in Martin Street, Brighton and made demands for cigarettes and threatened the store attendant about 6.10pm. He left with some cigarettes.
Shortly after the man approached a woman on Nepean Highway and threatened her with a firearm before he demanded her car about 6.15pm. The woman was chased around her car before the man ran off towards Gardenvale Road.
Police have been told the agitated man then approached a man in Lucy Street and threatened him with a firearm before he made off with the man's van.
As police attempted to locate the man, they received another report that a man had been threatened with a firearm in Kew about 9.15pm.
CIRT with assistance of the Airwing and local police moved in and arrested the man when he was located in the Box Hill carpark. A search of a vehicle uncovered an imitation firearm.
The man is currently under police guard in hospital receiving treatment.
Anyone who witnessed the incidents or with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link.
