Fashion District mall closes early after gunshot fired inside property
"I heard the gunshots and guys ran straight past me," recalled security guard William Beard.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The Fashion District mall in Center City had to close early Tuesday night after a gunshot was fired inside the property.
According to police, the suspect entered the crowded mall around 6:30 p.m. through the 9th Street door with another male and shot at two men who entered through the Market Street doors.
The bullet missed and hit a granite wall. As a result, a chunk of the wall flew off and hit a shopper who only sustained a scratch.
But detectives believe it could have been much worse.
"It looks like at the time the gun was fired, the magazine somehow fell out of the gun and the shooter was unable to fire the weapon any further," said Philadelphia Police Inspector D.F. Pace.
Desiree Morales was on the first floor at the time.
"I just heard two loud bangs and at first I was nervous. I wasn't sure. There were security guards and such telling us to leave," said Morales.
William Beard, who works as security for a jewelry store inside, called the incident a nerve-racking situation.
"I heard the gunshots and guys ran straight past me. The scary part about it, the young lady that had to put all the jewelry away, she was a nervous wreck," said Beard.
Police said 18-year-old Samir Smith was taken into custody.
According to the District Attorney's Office, he will be charged with aggravated assault, criminal conspiracy and other related crimes.
Those who work at the mall fear incidents like these are becoming routine.
On September 3, a group of more than 100 juveniles stormed the mall causing mass disruptions.
And on September 4, video showed visitors running from the area after shots rang out in the heart of the city. A Fashion District sign was even hit by the gunfire.
No one was injured in that incident, but police said five people were arrested.
It's still unclear what led to the gunfire Tuesday night.
Safety along that portion of Market Street is top of mind for many in that crowded part of the city.
"During the day I feel pretty good, but at night it's a different story," Smith said.
Inspector Pace said the department has increased police presence in the Fashion District since those earlier incidents.
"It's just crazy this whole thing. These kids with these guns. It's out of hand, something has to be done," said Jeffrey Smith of Germantown.
Some believe that's only part of what it'll take to address the overall issue of gun violence while tying to keep the community safe.
"I think that's deeper outside of the police and that it comes down to the families," said Kyra Duvell of Northeast Philadelphia.
"I would go more of the route of gun control, community activism more than increase patrols, but inside the mall I do think security can help in that sense," said Maura Powers of Queen Village.
"It's nuts that it's so easy to get guns, so gun violence is always going to be a problem," Jim Napolitano of Elkins Park said. "But I think for an individual that wants to come to the city, don't let that keep you away from enjoying things. Just keep your wits about you."
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 215-686-TIPS.
