Residents in a Salisbury neighborhood were alarmed to see a man riding up and down the road on a moped pointing a gun at them.

Salisbury Police say Darren Antonio McCullough, 23, of the 700 block of East Council Street, was riding his moped on Victory Street pointing what looked like a small handgun at those he passed. The incident occurred about 4:40 p.m. Friday. Authorities later learned the handgun was an air-powered gun.

As soon as an officer caught up to McCullough, the man ditched his moped and ran along Wilson Road. He ran into an apartment on Wilson Road. He quickly went out the apartment near the side of the building and ran back to his moped.

McCullough did not immediately heed the officer’s warnings to stop and show his hands, but eventually complied. The officer found the gun hidden in some bushes near the apartment.

Police charged McCullough with misdemeanor resist, obstruct, delay an officer and misdemeanor going armed to the terror of the public. He was issued a $500 secured bond and has since been released from the Rowan County Detention Center.

There was no indication about why McCullough began waving and pointing a gun at people.

He has previously been convicted of breaking and entering, possession of stolen goods, resisting arrest, communicating threats, simple assault and larceny.

Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253. Twitter: www.twitter.com/salpostpotts Facebook: www.facebook.com/Shavonne.SalisburyPost.