Police said response officers and specialist firearms officers located the suspect within 10 minutes of arriving in the area.
Greater Manchester Police received several reports in the early hours of Tuesday 13 October concerning Clyde Street, Brownlow Way and Faraday Drive.
Bolton Response Team officers and specialist firearms officers were deployed to the area. The arrested man remains in custody while enquiries continue.
Chief Inspector Mike Jennings-Wharton, who leads on neighbourhood crime in Bolton, thanked residents for contacting police.
He said: “I would like to extend my thanks to the local community for their reports and assistance in securing this arrest.
“We take incidents of this nature incredibly seriously, and your reports are vital to our ongoing activity to protect the public. We will continue to respond robustly to incidents that affect the safety and wellbeing of our neighbourhoods, with the support of local communities.”
He urged people to remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour.
Reports can be made by calling 101 or using LiveChat at gmp.police.uk. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Always call 999 in an emergency.