Armed officers were called to Earl Street, Maidstone, at about 23:15 BST on Sunday following reports that a man was in possession of a firearm.
The junction of Sheals Crescent and Loose Road was closed while police spent about two hours looking for the suspect.
A 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and bailed pending further inquiries.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of having a gun in a Kent town centre.