The 26-year-old sparked a massive police operation which lasted several hours after entering the occupied house in Weir Views, near Melton, on Tuesday afternoon, with residents of Leon Drive ordered to stay inside after allegedly shooting at police officers.

The Snake Valley man, known to police, was arrested approximately two and a half hours into the police operation after being bitten by a police dog deployed to the scene.

He was first believed to have been involved in an aggravated carjacking in Snake Valley, near Ballarat, at around 2.30pm, with a 70-year-old woman unhurt in the incident.

He then traveled to the Melton area, more than 100km away, where he was spotted by police and tracked by air force to an address.

“He exited the vehicle at that location. We allege there was another attempted carjacking at a home near where the car stopped,” Superintendent Michael Cruse said Wednesday to journalists.

The man was then followed to another nearby house in Weir Views where he allegedly fired in the direction of police after being confronted by officers.

He entered the house on Leon Drive which was occupied by the father and his one-year-old child, causing the surrounding area to go into lockdown.

Specialist police engaged in intense negotiations with the man, with armed officers seen on the roofs of neighboring houses in the newly created estate south of Melton.

The toddler was able to be released first through the front of the house, followed shortly by his father shortly after 6 p.m.

“As this was happening, we allege another shot was fired inside the house,” Superintendent Cruse said.

Police also say another shot was fired toward the entry team, who also returned fire.

“They were able to deploy a police dog and the offender was arrested, arrested and taken from the scene. He was bitten by a dog following the incident,” Supt Cruse said.

The man was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital. He is expected to be questioned and charged with various offenses after his release from hospital.

“I want to say that I am extremely proud of the police officers present yesterday. They did a fantastic job. They demonstrated bravery and courage in the execution of their duties (and) should be applauded,” said Supt. Cruse.

The police are providing support to the man, his child and the woman.

Supt Cruse said it was “concerning” that a high-powered rifle was involved in the incident.

“In Victoria we have some very good legislation around this, gun prohibition orders that allow us to do research and make sure we’re making sure that people who shouldn’t have guns “But yes, it is a concern,” said Superintendent Cruse.

Asked if the man was authorized to have the firearm, Supt Cruse replied: “No, that will definitely be part of the investigation.”

He said he also doesn’t know if the man was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but that will also be part of the investigation.

But he was able to confirm that “there was a period when (the man) was behaving erratically in the backyard of the premises.”