Civil assault is an intentional wrong that gives rise to civil liability and potential claims of damages
A civil assault occurs when a person intentionally puts another person in fear or apprehension of immediate and physical harm. There is no legal requirement that there be actual physical touching.
The intent must not be a mere touching of another but rather to actually harm the person. In addition, the person must possess an apparent (not actual) ability to cause physical harm.
Finally, the manner of the assault must be of the type that would put a reasonable person in fear of being physically harmed.