It happened around 5:30 p.m. Sunday at the Chestnut Run Shopping Center on Faulkland Road.
According to police, 37-year-old Bruce Thorngate IV was standing near a store when he approached four people.
For reasons that remain under investigation, police say Thorngate lifted his shirt, revealed a gun and threatened to kill them.
Thorngate then fled toward a nearby neighborhood. He was later spotted by police while walking and arrested without incident.
Police say he had a loaded handgun in his waistband. Because he is a convicted felon, police say he is prohibited from possessing or carrying a firearm.
None of the victims were injured.
Thorngate is charged with four counts of aggravated menacing, four counts of terroristic threatening and multiple firearms violations.
Police said Thorngate was arraigned and committed to the Department of Correction on $64,000 cash bail.