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Paul Thames WACO, Texas — A 29-year-old man has been arrested and charged following a disturbing assault on a young child that was captured on surveillance video at a Waco apartment complex.

According to police, Paul Thames was taken into custody Friday afternoon after officers responded to reports of an attack at the Legend Apartments. A Ring doorbell camera recorded the incident, which shows Thames repeatedly striking a 3-year-old boy and pulling the child by the face while the toddler cried. Witnesses who observed the footage contacted authorities, prompting an immediate police response.

Thames was arrested at the scene and later booked into the McLennan County Jail, where he faces a charge of injury to a child, classified as a third-degree felony under Texas law.

The child was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. Police confirmed that the victim was later released. The child’s identity has not been disclosed.

As of the latest report, officials have not announced a bond amount, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Authorities have emphasized the seriousness of the case and are urging anyone with additional information related to the incident to contact law enforcement.

The arrest has sparked concern and outrage within the Waco community, as residents call for accountability and protection for the most vulnerable.

Karen Moeller Obituary – The community is mourning the loss of Karen Moeller, who died today, leaving behind a legacy defined by dedication, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to others.

Karen was a familiar and steady presence at the YMCA, where she became well known for her consistency, positive spirit, and genuine love for fitness and connection. She regularly participated in group exercise classes, took part in the annual Blossom Run, and invested time in personal training with Aiden and Angie. In every setting, she showed up with determination, encouragement, and a warm sense of humor that lifted those around her.

More than an enthusiastic participant, Karen embodied what it meant to build community through movement. Those who trained alongside her recall that she always gave her best effort, supported others, and brought laughter and kindness into every room she entered. It was widely hoped that she would one day share her passion as an instructor, a role many now say she will surely hold in heaven.

Over the past several years, Karen’s presence turned workouts into meaningful moments of connection. She reminded those around her that fitness is not only about physical strength, but also about consistency, relationships, and belonging.

Karen Moeller will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. The thoughts and prayers of the community are with her family, friends, and everyone whose life she touched.

Reed Harter MITCHELL, South Dakota — The close-knit communities of Ethan and Mitchell are grieving the sudden death of Reed Harter, a beloved teacher and coach whose life was tragically cut short in a traffic collision.

Harter, 28, a social sciences teacher at Ethan School and a dedicated assistant coach for multiple Rustlers athletic programs, died after a vehicle accident that occurred earlier this week. The incident has sent waves of sorrow through the school district and surrounding communities, where Harter’s impact as an educator, mentor and leader was deeply felt.

A graduate of Dakota Wesleyan University, Harter earned his degree in history education and went on to inspire students both in the classroom and on the playing field. A former standout athlete at Colome High School, he continued his involvement in sports by serving as part-time assistant baseball coach at his alma mater college while sharing his passion for athletics with young people in the classroom and at practice.

At Ethan School, Harter’s positive influence was evident to students, parents and colleagues alike. Teachers described him as an enthusiastic and caring educator who encouraged students to strive for excellence, supported their academic growth, and built meaningful connections that extended beyond school walls. As a coach, he was known for his dedication, his ability to motivate young athletes and his unwavering commitment to teamwork and personal development.

The news of his death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from students, families, school staff and community members. School officials have noted that Harter’s leadership, compassion and spirit will be deeply missed, and grief counselors have been made available to support students and faculty affected by the loss.

Funeral arrangements for Harter are being finalized, and details will be released by his family as they work through this difficult time. The Ethan School District has urged the community to keep his loved ones in their thoughts as they navigate the tragedy.

Reed Harter’s legacy of dedication to education and youth athletics leaves a lasting impression on the communities he served. His commitment to helping others and the encouragement he offered to countless students and athletes will be remembered by those whose lives he touched.

Kareem Harris NEW ORLEANS — A community is in mourning after 19‑year‑old Kareem Harris was fatally shot Friday night, January 16, in a shooting outside and inside the iconic Dooky Chase’s Restaurant in the historic Treme neighborhood of New Orleans.

Police say the incident unfolded just before 8 p.m. when Harris, who lived locally and graduated in 2024 from Livingston Collegiate Academy, was pursued by a gunman. In an apparent attempt to seek safety, Harris ran into the foyer of the renowned restaurant on Orleans Avenue, but the assailant followed and continued firing, striking him and killing him at the scene. Authorities confirmed Harris was declared dead where he fell not far from his home.

The shooting also wounded three women tourists who were waiting inside to be seated for dinner. Two of the women were initially listed in critical condition, and the third was reported in stable condition following transport to local hospitals. None of the bystanders had any connection to Harris or the suspect, police said, and the restaurant itself was not a target of the attack.

Dooky Chase’s, a culinary and cultural landmark in New Orleans for more than eight decades, is widely celebrated for its Creole cuisine and its role in civil rights history. Local officials, including city leadership and police, expressed deep sorrow that such violence unfolded at a place long held as a symbol of community and heritage. Investigators emphasized that the shooting appeared to be a targeted attack on Harris, and that the suspect remained at large as authorities pursued leads.

The New Orleans Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances that led to the shooting and is asking for public assistance as detectives work to identify and locate the person responsible. Crimestoppers and local law enforcement have encouraged witnesses and residents with video or information to come forward to aid in the case.

Friends, family and community members have expressed profound grief over the loss of a young life cut short, remembering Harris as a part of the neighborhood whose death has sent shockwaves through the city. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Caiden Clem and Daitron Lamont Daniels LAWRENCE, Kansas — The Lawrence community is grieving following a tragic early-morning shooting that left one young man dead and another critically injured near a popular bar.

Lawrence police were called to The Hawk just before 2:00 a.m. Saturday, where officers discovered two males suffering from gunshot wounds. Witnesses at the scene reported that the suspects fled on foot. Officers provided immediate aid to the victims while securing statements from bystanders.

As the investigation unfolded, officers located a group of individuals matching the suspects’ descriptions just blocks away. The suspects were taken to the Lawrence Police Department for questioning, and detectives developed probable cause to charge one suspect with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and aggravated assault, and a second suspect with felony murder and aggravated assault. Both were booked into the Douglas County Correctional Facility.

The deceased victim, 18-year-old Caiden Clem, was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim, 16-year-old Daitron Lamont Daniels, was transported to a local trauma center where he remains in critical condition. Families of both victims have been notified, and police confirmed they will wait at least 24 hours before releasing additional details about the deceased.

Community leaders and law enforcement expressed profound sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the need for public support and cooperation as investigators work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting. The tragic loss and serious injury have deeply affected the families, friends, and neighbors of both young men.