Paul Thames arrested after beating up a child at Barron branch apartments, Waco
The suspect has been identified as 29-year-old Paul Thames. Thames was charged with injury to a child and taken to the McLennan County Jail. The victim has since been released from the hospital.
Original Release
The Waco Police Department is aware of a video circulating on social media depicting a horrendous assault of a 3-year-old boy by an adult male that occurred this afternoon. The suspect is currently in police custody after turning himself in.
Waco Police Officers were dispatched on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 5:27 p.m. to the 2400 Block of Corporation Parkway by a witness to the assault. Officers located video doorbell footage of the suspect violently beating the 3-year-old boy. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital and is being evaluated by medical personnel for injuries he may have sustained.
Waco Police Crimes Against Children Detectives were called to the scene for further investigation. The suspect and victim know each other, and this remains an active investigation, updates will be made when available.
The Waco Police Department would like to thank everyone for their swift actions in reporting this incident. We do not take these investigations lightly and are committed to a full and thorough investigation of this crime.
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