Man stops mother from allegedly trying to kill her daughter in alleged exorcism

Police arrested a California mom after receiving a call that she was biting, choking and hitting her child on the beach in alleged attempt to perform an exorcism.

Kimberly Felder, 45, had reportedly stripped her 11-year-old child naked and was shoving sand into her mouth and eyes, KRCR reports.

When deputies arrived, they found 10 to 12 people crowded around watching her.

A bystander named John Marciel tried to restrain Felder as she hit the child on the head with a piece of driftwood, and he was eventually able to subdue her.

Authorities separated the man and Felder and EMTs took the child to the hospital where it was revealed that she suffered "severe damage" to one ear.

Felder was charged with attempted homicide, assault with a deadly weapon, felony child abuse and aggravated mayhem.

Officials thanked Marciel for stepping in, saying that Felder would have likely killed her daughter if he had not stepped in. They recommended him for a Red Cross Life Saving Award.