Victoria Police are searching for a man who ran over a police officer in an attempt to escape with a stolen vehicle in Melbourne's east. 

Investigators say two men stole a car about 1:50am in Ringwood East, before driving the vehicle to a pub in Vermont South.

After being located by police, officers set up a perimeter around the Burvale Hotel near Springvale Road and Burwood Highway.

Police allege one of the two men entered the stolen vehicle and began driving "erratically" to avoid stop sticks deployed by police, striking a 29-year-old senior constable front-on at high speeds.

The struck officer sustained significant injuries to his upper-body.

Acting Commander Matthew Baynes said the police officer was hospitalised after being thrown into the air.

"[The officer has] significant injuries that will take some time to recover, just for doing his job," Acting Commander Baynes said.

"It's just really disappointing this has occurred, just the disregard for the safety of the community and safety of our members."

He said the incident was Victoria Police's number one priority on Thursday and considerable resources were deployed in an attempt to find the driver.

The man in question is believed to be a Caucasian male aged between 20 and 25, wearing a black jacket and black baseball cap.

A 32-year-old Preston man was arrested at the scene. He has been charged with vehicle theft and the theft of petrol, and will appear before court at a later date.

The vehicle was later found abandoned in Vermont South.