Portland Sergeant Andrew Dunlop said the man, aged in his 30s, was arrested and expected to be charged with a string of offences, including endangering lives when he allegedly drove his Holden Rodeo dual cab into the Bentinck Street Lawns area where pedestrians were walking.

"He drove up the grassy area between the Portland Yacht Club and the Gordon Hotel, running through several bollards and missing several people," he said.

"He was arrested by police in Henty Street at around 7.30pm after he was observed down there by the public.

"He resisted arrest and refused a breath test."

Sergeant Dunlop said on Tuesday night that the man would be interviewed, charged and bailed with conduct endangering lives, refusing a breath test, resisting police and several driving charges.

He will appear in court at a later date.

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