New Jersey police apprehended a 49-year-old man Friday night after he allegedly slapped and headbutted a little girl at a shopping mall several times.
David Cohen, the 49-year-old suspect, was charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and simple assault, NJ.com reported.
Police were summoned to the scene by calls from mall shoppers. Witnesses told the authorities that they observed Cohen “strike the juvenile multiple times in the face with an open hand and headbutt her several times,” Paramus Police Chief Robert M. Guidetti said in a statement. “Witnesses further stated that Cohen screamed repeatedly at the child, ‘I hope you die!”
The victim had red marks on her face and she was pulled so hard that the zipper on her jacket broke, New Jersey 101.5 reported, citing the complaint in the case. Cohen appeared visibly drunk and had an empty bottle of alcohol, police say. (RELATED: REPORT: Police Charge New Jersey Mayor Gina LaPlaca With DUI In Alleged Incident Involving Young Son)
Cohen was arrested based on the testimony of the witnesses, the child victim’s bruising, and surveillance footage, Guidetti said, NJ.com reported. The police chief said that his department notified the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and investigators with the state’s Division of Child Protection and Permanency on account of the victim’s age and seriousness of the accusations. These agencies are investigating the matter.
The victim’s mother was notified about the incident and picked up her child. Police have not posited that any prior relationship existed between the suspect and victim.
“The Paramus Police Department takes these matters seriously and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children in our community,” Guidetti said, NorthJersey.com reported.
‘Disturbing incident’: Man arrested and accused of attacking girl at Bergen mall https://t.co/koqkkkWD3Z
— NorthJersey.com (@northjersey) April 14, 2025
Cohen was released from jail on Saturday afternoon and is awaiting a court date, NJ.com reported.
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