A horrifying incident took place at an apartment building in Waco, Texas, where a 3-year-old boy was savagely beaten by a man captured on doorbell camera footage. The man responsible for the brutal attack has been identified as Paul Thames, 29, who later surrendered to authorities and was charged with injury to a child, a third-degree felony.
The disturbing video shows Thames picking up the toddler and repeatedly striking him with a closed fist at least five times in the torso. After the assault, Thames can be heard demanding the crying child to “stop playing” before walking away with him. Waco police confirmed that Thames was the man seen in the distressing clip.
Authorities were alerted to the incident and arrived at the apartment complex around 5:20 p.m. on Friday to investigate the alleged assault. The child was promptly taken to a local hospital via ambulance for evaluation by medical personnel. Thankfully, the child was later released from the hospital.
Thames was taken into custody and booked at the McLennan County Jail, where his bond was set at $200,000. It remains unclear what relation Thames has to the young boy. The mugshot of Thames has been released to the public, showcasing the face of the man responsible for the heinous act.
The community is shocked and appalled by the senseless violence inflicted upon an innocent child. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting and advocating for the well-being of children. Authorities are continuing to investigate the case to ensure justice is served for the young victim.
