Police have ramped up their a search for an armed man who allegedly threatened police on a road in New Town, on the York Peninsula, last night.
Authorities allege Conan Taylor, 36, threatened police officers with a rifle after being stopped in his vehicle at traffic lights about 8pm.
Mr Taylor then fled the scene on foot and was unable to be found, despite an air and land search through Kardinia to the town of Wallaroo, police said.
Numerous homes in the area were raided by detectives in the hope of finding the alleged offender.
Police believe he dumped his firearm at one of the homes to evade police.
“We were pretty scared when we found out he had a gun,” resident Kerrie Wileman told 9NEWS.
Mr Taylor is described as having a Pacific Islander appearance, 190 centimetres tall and around 90kg. He has black hair, brown eyes and was last seen without a top.
Police have warned Mr Taylor may still be armed and should not be approached.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.