Distressing doorbell camera footage has led to the arrest of a 29-year-old man in Texas after he was filmed savagely beating a three-year-old boy.
Shocking Attack Captured on Video
The incident occurred at The Legend Apartments complex in Waco on Friday evening, around 5.30pm. The Ring doorbell recording, which quickly spread online, shows Paul Thames repeatedly punching the young child in the torso with a closed fist.
After striking the boy at least five times, Thames is seen picking the terrified child up with one arm. He tells the crying boy, 'Stop playing with me!' before placing his hand over the child's face and demanding, 'You gonna stop playing with me?' The video concludes with Thames walking out of frame as the child continues to shriek.
Police Investigation and Arrest
The viral video prompted an immediate investigation by the Waco Police Department. Authorities confirmed the boy was taken to hospital for evaluation but was released later the same day.
Paul Thames turned himself in to police on Friday and was subsequently arrested. While the exact relationship between Thames and the child is unclear, police stated they 'know each other.' Thames has been charged with injury to a child and booked into McLennan County Jail. His bond was set at $200,000, according to reports.
A Pattern of Disturbing Child Abuse Cases
This arrest follows another high-profile case of alleged child abuse captured on video. In November, Nicole Staples, a 44-year-old teacher from Alabama, was arrested and charged with willful child abuse.
Footage shared online appeared to show Staples, a once-celebrated Teacher of the Year at Cottage Hill Christian Academy, whipping her 12-year-old son more than 20 times with a belt over unfinished chores. The school fired her following the allegations. She pleaded not guilty and was released after posting a $7,500 bond.
These cases highlight the disturbing role video evidence now plays in bringing allegations of domestic violence and child assault to light, sparking public outrage and swift police action.
