PARAMUS, N.J. (1010 WINS) — Police arrested a man last week after he headbutted and screamed at a child at a New Jersey mall, Paramus Police Chief Robert Guidetti announced Sunday.
David Cohen, 49, was charged with simple assault and endangering the welfare of a child.
Just after 6:50 p.m. on Friday, April 11, officers responded to Bergen Town Center in Paramus for a "disturbing" incident of a man physically assaulting a juvenile female.
Shoppers led Officer Hugo Rodriguez-Penato to Cohen, who is accused of repeatedly smacking the girl in the face with an open hand and headbutting her several times. Cohen also allegedly screamed at the girl saying, "I hope you die."
The girl had visible bruises and Cohen was arrested at the scene, police said.
The child’s mother was notified and responded to the scene, cops said. The New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency and the prosecutor's Special Victims Unit were notified as well.
"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.