Video shows man punch girl at Asheville Mall; suspect charged with assault

David Steven Bell, 51 was arrested for assaulting a girl under the age of 12, police say. Video began circulating on social media which apparently showed him push and punch the juvenile. (Asheville Police Department)

A man was arrested in Asheville after video circulating on social media apparently shows him punch a girl-- who is under the age of 12, according to police-- in the face. 

Police say on Saturday, Jan. 12, a fight involving juveniles occurred at the Asheville Mall. During the fight David Steven Bell, 51, pushed a juvenile and the punched her in the face, video shows. The juvenile falls to the ground and lays there.

An off-duty officer arrested Bell and he was charged with assault on a female under 12 and two counts of assault on a female.

The victim refused to be transported to the hospital, and police are continuing to investigate the matter. 

WLOS obtained eyewitness video of the incident. **WARNING: Some viewers may find this video disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.**

FOX 46 reported on this story from Charlotte.