Man arrested for attacking mall security officer

A Columbia man is behind bars after authorities said he attacked a mall security officer.

25-year-old Eric Smith was arrested Tuesday morning in the 2400 block of Bernadette Drive.

Columbia Police officers said earlier Tuesday morning, he was sleeping at the Columbia Mall when he was told to leave.

He reportedly refused and punched the security guard in the face, stole their work car keys, and ran away.

Smith is charged with assault among other charges, and remains in jail.