At 7:15 p.m., Raleigh police responded to a reported assault by pointing a gun at the child on Royal Adelaide Way.
Responding officers found the suspect, Daniel Graham, 43, and placed him into custody.
He has been charged with three counts of misdemeanor assault by pointing a gun and misdemeanor assault on the 6-year-old for smacking the bag of candy out of the child's hand and onto the ground.
Police have not said why they believe Graham pointed the gun.