WACO, TX – A U.S. Army sergeant is facing a felony charge in Waco after authorities say home surveillance footage captured him assaulting a 3-year-old boy outside an apartment complex.

Police responded to a call Friday afternoon at The Legend Apartments on Corporation Parkway, where a witness reported seeing a man attack a young child. Upon arrival, officers reviewed video doorbell footage showing a man identified as 29-year-old Paul Thames repeatedly hitting the toddler in the torso with a closed fist. The disturbing footage quickly gained attention online after circulating on social media platforms.

Emergency crews transported the child to a local hospital for medical evaluation immediately after the incident. According to police, the child was later released from medical care and is expected to recover. Officials have not specified the exact relationship between Thames and the boy, but confirmed both parties were familiar with one another.

Authorities say the video not only depicts the physical assault, but also captures Thames verbally confronting the child, allegedly asking, “Are you going to stop playing?” before forcefully lifting him by the face.

Records from McLennan County Jail indicate Thames has been charged with injury to a child, which is a third-degree felony under Texas law. Jail officials reported he is currently being held on a $200,000 bond.

Military officials have since acknowledged the arrest, confirming Thames serves as a sergeant with the 1st Cavalry Division stationed at Fort Hood, located about 65 miles southwest of Waco. In a statement, U.S. Army representatives expressed shock over the allegations and emphasized that such behavior is counter to the values upheld by the division and the Army as a whole.

The Waco Police Department continues to investigate the incident, having collected the video footage as key evidence in the case. Child protective services have also reportedly been notified, and additional interviews are underway to determine the best course of action for the young victim’s welfare.

No further details about possible motives for the assault or the background circumstances leading up to the attack have been released by law enforcement.

If convicted, Thames could face a prison sentence ranging from two to ten years. Court proceedings are expected to move forward in the coming weeks.

The case has generated widespread concern in the local community and on social media as viewers reacted with outrage and calls for justice for the child.