The 18-year-old was charged after the argument led to gunfire in the Fashion District

CITY CENTER – Prosecutors in Philadelphia announced charges against a young man accused of firing a gun inside a busy mall Tuesday night.

The District Attorney’s Office on Wednesday charged 18-year-old Samir Smith with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and weapons violations.

Investigators say Smith and another person were arguing with a group inside the Fashion District around 6:30 p.m. when Smith left the building and fired a shot at the group.

Inspector DF Pace told reporters after the shooting that an officer on patrol heard the shots and responded to the scene.

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A nearly full clip of ammunition fell from the suspect’s gun during the shooting, which investigators say prevented more shots.

Authorities report that a man suffered a minor shrapnel injury after a bullet ricocheted off a granite wall.

Smith was arrested by police at a restaurant in the 100 block of North 10th Street, according to police.

Police say there are officers stationed inside and outside the mall, something they say has increased in recent weeks due to problems with large groups of juveniles congregating on Center City’s Market Street.

A business owner who asked to remain anonymous says their store manager was threatened and had to close the doors several times.

“It doesn’t seem like an officer on patrol acts as a deterrent to some of these young people,” said Chief Jim Kenney.

Labor Day weekend, police say a juvenile fired a gun at officers at 9th and Market. That minor was arrested. Over the past weekend, police say they had trouble cleaning up nearly 100 teenagers on Market Street.

“They were giving the police officers a hard time, physically. None of the police officers were physically injured,” said Philadelphia Deputy Police Commissioner Joel Dales. “It’s a challenge. We’re doing our part. We’re locking up individuals. They have to suffer the consequences.”

Mayor Kenney added, “People need to be held accountable for their actions. This is out of our hands and in the hands of the DA.”

But when pressed for the DA, Myor Kenney said they have regular, friendly conversations and talk about specific cases.

Police say all patrol shifts citywide will be extended four hours this weekend.

“The events for which Samir Smith is alleged to be responsible created panic among workers and bystanders in and around a busy shopping center,” said DA Larry Krasner.

“The traumatizing experience of hearing gunshots and gunfire is uniquely American because we have the resources and power to prevent gun violence.”