Police in Howard County, Maryland, said Sunday they arrested an 18-year-old man in connection to a Saturday shooting near the Columbia Mall that left one teen boy dead and another fighting for his life.

Authorities said they took Emmetson Zeah, 18, into custody overnight on first-degree murder charges after he was accused of carrying out the targeted shooting inside the shopping center Saturday evening.

Police said officers were called to Columbia Mall around 5:50 p.m. Saturday and found two boys suffering from gunshot wounds in the area.

Howard County officials said Michael Robertson, 16, was pronounced dead at the scene, and 15-year-old Blake McCray was rushed to a hospital in grave condition.

“Through investigation, detectives believe that Zeah targeted the two victims, but the motive remains unclear,” police said Sunday in a statement. “Police recovered a gun and the clothing Zeah wore during the shooting at his residence.”

Mr. Zeah is being held without bail at the Howard County Detention Center.

• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.