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Fort Hood sergeant identified as suspect arrested after video shows assault against a 3-year-old boy

The 1st Cavalry Division released a statement following the arrest of one of its Fort Hood sergeants after a Ring camera video shows an assault of a toddler in Waco on Jan. 16.
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UPDATE 1/19:
The Waco Police Department identified 29-year-old Paul Thames as the suspect shown in a Ring camera video that circulated on social media, showing a violent assault against a 3-year-old boy.

Thames was charged with injury to a child and taken to the McLennan County Jail.

U.S. Army officials confirmed Thames is a sergeant with the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, and in a statement say they are aware of his recent arrest and charge, saying the division is, "disgusted by the video that has been posted."

Below is the full statement:

"The 1st Cavalry Division is aware of the arrest of Sgt. Paul Thames for abuse of a child. We are in communication with law enforcement.

We are disgusted by the video that has been posted. The behavior of Sgt. Thames does not reflect the values of the 1st Cavalry Division or the US Army.

As this is an active legal matter, the division will not speculate or provide further details at this time."
- Spokesperson, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood

Waco PD says the child has been released from the hospital.

ORIGINAL 1/16:
25 News has obtained a copy of the video - but due to the graphic nature, we're choosing not to show it.

A 3-year-old boy was assaulted by an adult male in Waco on Friday afternoon. According to Waco police, the suspect turned himself in and is now in custody.

Waco Police Officers responded to the 2400 block of Corporation Parkway at 5:27 p.m. on January 16 after a witness reported the assault. Officers discovered video doorbell footage showing the suspect beating the child.

The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where medical personnel are evaluating his injuries.

Crimes Against Children Detectives have taken over the investigation.

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