THREE people have been left terrified after being threatened by a man with a loaded handgun on a popular Ringwood walking track.

The victims were approached in broad daylight and verbally threatened during the terrifying incident on the Mullum Mullum Trail on Sunday at 6pm. It is believed the man produced the gun while yelling at them.

A 34-year-old man has been charged with assault and theft after the rampage.

Detective Leading Senior Constable Robyn Waite said the man was seen pushing his girlfriend, 28, at Coles at Ringwood Square beforehand, when a staff member tried to call the police.

He then allegedly stole the phone and ran down Mullum Mullum Trail with his girlfriend.

He had an altercation with her, before approaching a group of strangers.

“The man produced a (loaded) gun, made some threats towards the people and then (ran) down New St towards the Mullum Mullum Creek.”

He was arrested at the reserve a short time later and the gun has since been found in scrubland nearby.

The adult victims, two males and a female, escaped uninjured however the man’s girlfriend was taken to Box Hill Hospital with injuries to her face and body.

“The victims are scared and it has changed their view on the world and their perception of safety,” she said.

“This is certainly a rare occurrence but more and more firearms are being produced nowadays, which is disturbing.”

The man will face Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on November 16.

Police are appealing for information. If you know anything, call Sen-Constable Waite on 9871 3068.