Man Headbutted Child, Struck Her In Face At Mall In Bergen County, Police Say

PARAMUS, NJ — A man was charged with assault on Friday after headbutting a child and screaming at her at a local mall, police said.

David Cohen, 49, was charged with simple assault and endangering the welfare of a child, Paramus Police Chief Robert Guidetti said on Sunday.

Guidetti said that police responded to the Bergen Town Center Mall after 6:30 p.m. due to a report of a "disturbing" incident in which a man physically assaulted a juvenile female.

Officer Hugo Rodriguez-Pena arrived and was approached by witnesses directing him to Cohen and the girl, Guidetti said.

Witnesses said the man struck the girl multiple times in the face with an open hand, and headbutted her several times, police said.

Witnesses also said that he repeatedly screamed at her, “I hope you die!” police said.

Police said the girl had visible bruises, and footage confirmed the incident. Cohen was arrested at the scene, police said.

The prosecutor's Special Victims Unit and New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency were notified, police said. The child’s mother was also notified and responded to the scene.

Cohen was taken to the Bergen County Jail to await a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court, Chief Guidetti said. He was released on Sunday, the chief said.

"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.