A Coralville man has been accused of throwing firecrackers on the Pedestrian Mall.

Sami Amin, 18, was charged Sept. 21 with reckless use of fire/explosives.

According to an Iowa City police complaint, officers were dispatched after receiving reports of loud banging sounds.

After being detained, Amin reportedly admitted to throwing firecrackers in a crowd outside Marco’s Grilled Cheese stand, located on the Ped Mall.

The fireworks allegedly hit a man on the side of the face. The man declined to press charges.

Witnesses identified Amin as the person lighting and setting off the fireworks in a crowd of people.

Because of the explosions, a witness had to take off his shoe to put out a small fire.

Amin also had filled water balloons in his backpack.

He reportedly told officials he did this because he thought it would be amusing. He did, however, admit to making poor decisions.

— by Megan Sanchez