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David Cohen, 49, was arrested after officers responded to the mall around 6:44 p.m. for reports of a man assaulting a juvenile girl, authorities said.
Officer Hugo Rodriguez-Pena was met by multiple witnesses who pointed out Cohen and the injured child, according to police. Witnesses told officers they saw Cohen strike the girl multiple times in the face with an open hand and headbutt her repeatedly. He also screamed threats at her, witnesses said.
Officers noted visible bruising on the juvenile, and surveillance footage confirmed the violent assault, police said. Cohen was immediately taken into custody at the scene.
Cohen is charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a second-degree crime, and Simple Assault, a disorderly persons offense, authorities detailed.
Due to the severity of the allegations and the age of the victim, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office – Special Victims Unit and the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency were both notified.
The child’s mother was contacted and responded to the scene, police added.
The investigation remains active.
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