Key takeaways:
- 13-year-old Owen Burns used a slingshot to save his 8-year-old sister from an attempted kidnapping
- Owen fired a marble and a gravel rock at the assailant, allowing his sister to escape
- Owen has been praised by his community for his heroic actions and his story has been shared widely on social media
A 13-year-old Michigan boy is being hailed as a hero after using a slingshot to save his 8-year-old sister from an attempted kidnapping. On May 10, the 8-year-old girl had gone into the backyard of her home in Alpena, Michigan to hunt for mushrooms when a 17-year-old male suspect came through the woods and grabbed her.
The girl’s 13-year-old brother, Owen Burns, heard her screams and quickly reached for a slingshot that was nearby. He then opened the window and grabbed two objects, a marble and a gravel rock, and fired them at the suspect. His aim was true, and he struck the assailant in the head and chest, allowing his sister to escape.
Owen told WWTV/WWUP-TV in Cadillac, Michigan that he was “freaking out” and simply reached for something that could stop the attack. He said he was “just lucky” that he was able to stop the person trying to abduct his sister.
Owen’s mother, Margaret Burns, said she was proud of her son for his quick thinking and bravery. “I’m so proud of him,” she said. “He’s my hero.”
The suspect was later apprehended by police and is facing charges of attempted kidnapping. Owen has been praised by his community for his heroic actions, and his story has been shared widely on social media.
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