New Jersey State Police arrested a 49-year-old man on Friday night, slapping a small girl in a shopping mall several times and putting her head out.
David Cohen, a 49-year-old suspect, has been charged with the second risk of child welfare and simple assault. It has been reported.
Police were summoned to the scene via phone calls from mall shoppers. An eyewitness told authorities that Cohen “has attacked the boy over and over again in the face and pushed her into his head several times.” “The witnesses further stated that Cohen repeatedly cried out at the child: “I hope you die!”
The victim had a red mark on her face and she was pulled so hard that the zipper on her jacket broke, New Jersey 101.5 It has been reportedcites complaints about the incident. Cohen looked visibly drunk and had an empty bottle of alcohol, police say. (Related: Report: Police accus New Jersey Mayor Gina Laplaka to DUI in a case suspected involving her young son.)
According to NJ.com, Cohen reported that he was arrested based on witness testimony, bruising a child victim and surveillance footage. The police chief said his department notified the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and investigators of the state’s child protection and permanence investigators due to the victim’s age and the seriousness of the charges. These agencies are investigating the issue.
The victim’s mother was notified of the incident and picked up the child. Police do not assume that there is a previous relationship between the suspect and the victim.
“The Paramus Police Department takes these issues seriously and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children in our community,” Guidetti said. It has been reported.
“Officient Incident”: Man arrested and accused of attacking a girl at Bergenmall. https://t.co/koqkkkwd3z
– northjersey.com (@northjersey) April 14, 2025
Cohen was released from prison on Saturday afternoon and is awaiting a court date, NJ.com reported.
