Paul Thames Arrested in Waco Following Alleged Assault at Barron Branch Apartments
WACO, Paul Thames, 29, was arrested and charged with injury to a child following an assault on a 3-year-old boy at the Barron Branch Apartments, authorities confirmed. Thames was taken into custody and booked into the McLennan County Jail, while the child has since been released from the hospital after receiving medical care.
The Waco Police Department said it became aware of the incident after a video circulated on social media showing the assault. According to police, the footage depicted what they described as a “horrendous assault” by an adult male, prompting immediate action by authorities.
Officers responded on Friday, January 16, 2026, at approximately 5:27 p.m. to the 2400 block of Corporation Parkway after a witness reported the incident. Police said they obtained video doorbell footage that showed the suspect physically attacking the child.
Detectives with the Waco Police Department’s Crimes Against Children Unit are leading the investigation. Authorities confirmed that the suspect and the child are known to each other, but no further details about their relationship have been released.
The Waco Police Department thanked members of the public for quickly reporting the incident and stated that the investigation remains ongoing. Officials said additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
