Horrifying Attack at Bergen Town Center: Man Slaps and Drags Young Girl in Broad Daylight
A shocking assault unfolded at Bergen Town Center in Paramus, NJ, when David Cohen, 49, was caught on camera slapping and dragging a young girl, leaving her visibly injured. The community is outraged as charges are filed and authorities urge vigilance to protect vulnerable children.
PARAMUS, NJ — What was supposed to be a normal Friday evening at Bergen Town Center quickly turned into a nightmare for one young girl—and shocked everyone who witnessed the brutal assault. David Cohen, 49, of Palisades Park, now faces serious charges after he was caught on camera slapping a girl repeatedly across the face and dragging her by her jacket so violently that the zipper broke.
Shoppers Watch in Horror as Girl is Attacked
Shoppers at the busy mall were left stunned and horrified as they watched Cohen’s shocking outburst unfold in front of their eyes. Multiple witnesses say Cohen struck the girl with an open hand on the left side of her face, leaving painful red marks. But the violence didn’t stop there—he yanked her jacket so hard it ripped, and reportedly shouted terrifying words that left bystanders shaken.
“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” one witness said. “It was like something out of a nightmare. The poor girl looked terrified.”
Quick Action by Bystanders and Police
Thankfully, brave shoppers didn’t just stand by—they immediately called 911 and stayed with the girl until police arrived. Officer Hugo Rodriguez-Pena was on the scene within minutes, finding Cohen intoxicated and the girl visibly hurt. Surveillance footage confirmed the horrifying attack, and Cohen was arrested on the spot.
Charges Filed, Community Outraged
Cohen now faces charges including simple assault and endangering the welfare of a child. The girl’s mother was notified and rushed to her side, while child protection agencies stepped in to ensure the young victim’s safety and well-being.
The community is reeling from the incident.
“It’s heartbreaking to see something like this happen in a place where families come to shop and spend time together,” said a local resident. “We need to protect our children—no one should ever have to go through this.”
A Stark Reminder: Speak Up, Protect the Vulnerable
This terrifying attack is a powerful reminder that abuse can happen anywhere—even in public spaces where we least expect it. Authorities urge everyone to stay vigilant and report any signs of violence or abuse immediately. The safety of our children depends on it.
As this case moves forward, the hope is that justice will be served and that the young girl can begin to heal from this traumatic experience. But one thing is clear: Bergen Town Center—and the entire community—will never forget this shocking day.
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