The search for a man wanted over shots that were allegedly fired at two police cars in southern Tasmania has entered its second day.
Police believe 33-year-old Robert George Greig, of Brighton, is driving and say they have been in contact with his family and friends.
Up to 40 police officers have been involved in the search after shots were allegedly fired at a police vehicle near New Norfolk just before midnight on Monday, and a second police vehicle a short time later along Boyer road.
Up to six shots were allegedly fired into one of the vehicles, taking out the car's front side windows, the police union says.
Police were in the area responding to an alleged family violence incident near New Norfolk.
Shots were fired at a police vehicle about 11:50 pm.
Shortly afterwards, another police vehicle on the way to the scene passed a dark 4WD driving towards Bridgewater and shots were again fired, police said.
No-one was injured in the incident, but the police union said shots narrowly missed officers.
Police Association president Colin Riley told media the "front right and front left windows" of the first police car were "shot out" in the incident.
"There were at least six rounds that went into the police car, and two windows were shot out," he said.
"They were very lucky that these members who first responded didn't have significant physical injuries.
"The actions of the offender are abhorrent. And the actions that he took against our members could have led to a death, simple as that."
Police have been searching the Brighton and Elderslie areas, north of Hobart, using a rescue helicopter, drones and other specialist resources.
Commander of police for the southern district Tim Dooley said the suspect was known to police.
"We've got a considerable number of resources involved in the hunt for this person," he said.
"As you can no doubt appreciate with a person using firearms, there's a significant level of risk involved, so we'll be using some of our tactical personnel to take that person into custody.
"It would be very common for a person in that situation to try and get support from family and close friends ... if that person is contacting you, you need to be contacting us so we can bring this to a safe resolution."
Commander Dooley said although police had not yet completed a forensic examination of the vehicle that was shot at, officers had "a very close call".
"As you can probably appreciate, it would be a very distressing situation to become involved in, it happens very quickly, and they're very fortunate and no doubt relieved that they're unharmed and uninjured," he said.
"What I'd say to the public is just go about your normal business. If you see something suspicious, don't become involved, but you can report it to police."
Anyone with information should call police on 131444 or report anonymously via the Crime Stoppers website.
