Soldier Arrested for Assaulting Young Boy Over ABC Lessons

A U.S. Army sergeant has been taken into custody after allegedly beating a 3-year-old boy when the child refused to participate in his alphabet lessons, according to an indictment.

Paul Thames, a 29-year-old active-duty sergeant with the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood in Texas, was recorded on a neighbor’s Ring camera striking the boy multiple times in the torso with what investigators described as “excessive force” outside their Waco apartment.

The arrest warrant details that Thames also “grabbed the victim by the back of the neck and placed his hand over the victim’s mouth.” Disturbing footage reportedly shows him yelling, “Are you going to stop playing?” at the boy, who was crying in pain.

Thames had only recently moved in with the boy and his mother. Following his arrest on Friday, he told authorities that he took the child outside to discipline him for not wanting to work on his ABCs.

While the violent incident unfolded, the child’s mother was inside their apartment. Thames admitted to police that he had never informed her about what occurred.

He was arrested after the video evidence was presented to law enforcement. According to the warrant, he acknowledged that his behavior was wrong and expressed that he understood he had “gone too far.” He even mentioned having apologized to the boy.

After the incident, the child was taken to a local hospital, where he was treated for neck pain, but fortunately was later released.

Officials from Fort Hood stated they are aware of the allegations of abuse. “The 1st Cavalry Division is in contact with law enforcement agencies. We are outraged by the video that was posted,” they commented, adding that Thames’ actions do not align with the values of the division or the U.S. Army.

Thames has been charged with injury to a child, with bail set at $200,000. He is currently held in McLennan County Jail.