A Texas man, confirmed to be a sergeant in the U.S. Army, was arrested after a disturbing video surfaced showing him allegedly attacking a 3-year-old child. The incident, which was captured on home security footage, has sparked outrage after it went viral on social media.
Brutal Attack Captured on Ring Camera
The assault took place at The Legend Apartments on Corporation Parkway in Waco, Texas, on Friday. The Waco Police Department responded to the scene after receiving a report from a witness who saw the attack. Upon investigation, officers reviewed footage from a Ring doorbell camera that showed Paul Thames, 29, violently beating the child.
According to police, the video depicted Thames lifting the child and striking him at least five times in the torso with a closed fist. The child can be heard crying in the video, and Thames is allegedly heard asking, “Are you going to stop playing?” before pulling the child by his face and walking away with him.
The child was quickly transported to a nearby hospital where he was evaluated. Fortunately, the child was released after receiving medical care, though details on his condition were not immediately available.
Thames’ Arrest and Legal Charges
Following the assault, Thames was arrested and booked into the McLennan County Jail on a charge of injury to a child, a third-degree felony. His bond was set at $200,000.
The relationship between Thames and the child has not been disclosed by authorities, but police confirmed that the suspect and the victim are known to each other.
Army Response to the Incident
An official spokesperson from the U.S. Army confirmed that Thames is a sergeant stationed at Fort Hood, located about 65 miles southwest of Waco. The Army condemned the actions of Thames, stating that his behavior is in direct contrast to the values upheld by the 1st Cavalry Division and the Army as a whole.
“We are aware of the arrest of Sgt. Paul Thames for abuse of a child,” the Army spokesperson said in a statement. “The 1st Cavalry Division is in communication with law enforcement. We are disgusted by the video that has been posted. The behavior of Sgt. Thames does not reflect the values of the 1st Cavalry Division or the U.S. Army.”
Public Outrage and Ongoing Investigation
The disturbing video has drawn widespread condemnation on social media, with many expressing horror at the brutal nature of the assault. The Waco Police Department has indicated that their investigation is ongoing, and additional details are expected to emerge as the case develops.
Thames remains in custody as he awaits further legal proceedings, and law enforcement is working closely with the military to ensure that justice is served.
The child’s identity remains protected, and authorities have not released further information regarding his condition beyond his release from the hospital.
