WACO, Texas — A Waco man has been arrested and charged after a disturbing act of violence against a toddler was allegedly captured on a residential doorbell camera, prompting outrage and concern across the community.
Police say 29-year-old Paul Thames was taken into custody Friday evening after officers reviewed video footage showing a young child being physically assaulted outside an apartment complex. The incident occurred at the Legend Apartments, where a neighbor’s Ring doorbell camera recorded the attack.
According to investigators, the video shows Thames picking up a 3-year-old boy and striking him multiple times with a closed fist. The child can be heard crying during the encounter. At one point in the footage, Thames is seen pulling the child upward by the face while speaking to him before leaving the camera’s view with the child.
Authorities described the footage as deeply troubling and said it played a key role in identifying the suspect and establishing probable cause for an arrest.
Waco police officers were dispatched to the apartment complex at approximately 5:20 p.m. after receiving a report about the incident. Officers quickly began investigating and made contact with Thames later that evening. He subsequently surrendered to law enforcement without incident.
Thames was booked into the McLennan County Jail and charged with injury to a child, which is classified as a third-degree felony under Texas law. Court records show his bond was set at $200,000.
Emergency medical services transported the toddler to a local hospital for evaluation following the incident. Police confirmed that the child was examined and treated before being released from the hospital. No additional details about the child’s injuries have been released, and authorities have not disclosed the child’s identity in order to protect their privacy.
Investigators have not publicly clarified the relationship between Thames and the child. Police say the case remains under investigation, and additional charges could be considered depending on the outcome of further review by detectives and prosecutors.
Authorities are also coordinating with child protective services to ensure the child’s safety and well-being moving forward.
News of the incident has sparked strong reactions among residents and on social media, with many expressing anger, disbelief, and concern for the safety of children. Police officials emphasized the importance of community members reporting suspected abuse and said video evidence from doorbell cameras and other security systems continues to play an important role in solving crimes.
“This case underscores how critical it is to speak up when something doesn’t look right,” one official said. “Early reporting can make a difference in protecting vulnerable individuals.”
Thames is expected to appear before a judge in the coming days as the case moves through the legal system. Until then, authorities say the investigation remains active.
Anyone with additional information related to the incident is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
NEW: Man accused of brutally beating a 3-year-old child “are you going to stop playing?”
Paul Thames, 29, is charged with injury to a child, a third-degree felony
Ring camera footage shows a man lifting a toddler and punching him at least five times
The child is heard crying… pic.twitter.com/GoOnYCBfEF
— Unlimited L’s (@unlimited_ls) January 18, 2026