A 38-year-old Launceston man has been charged with multiple offences including attempting to escape police after an incident at Devonport yesterday afternoon.
Police were on foot in the CBD and approached two men who had allegedly stolen clothing from a nearby business.
One man escaped while the man from Launceston was apprehended by police after a foot chase through the CBD during which he unlawfully entered a parked vehicle with the driver present.
OC spray was used during his arrest.
The man was detained to appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court today, charged with aggravated assault, attempting to escape and four counts of stealing.
Police are following a specific line of inquiry in relation to the second man.
Anyone with information or footage relating to the incident should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.