Man drives down Melbourne pedestrian mall

A Melbourne man is behind bars after he drove down a pedestrian-only mall while allegedly fleeing police, striking planter boxes, tables, chairs and a toddler's pushchair.

The Footscray man, 47, was spotted driving in an erratic manner on Sydney Road on Friday night.

When police tried to pull over his red Toyota Camry the man drove through Victoria Mall in Coburg, allegedly striking outdoor dining furniture and a toddler's pusher.

The 47-year-old then tried to run from the scene but was nabbed by officers.

"The family and toddler seated at the table were not injured and thankfully the pusher was empty," Victoria Police said in statement.

The Footscray man's been charged with stalking, assault, possessing a controlled weapon, conduct endangering life, evading police, driving while disqualified, refusing a drug test, possession of drugs and numerous other traffic offences.

He's scheduled to front Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Saturday.