A 14-year-old boy, who used a slingshot to thwart a would-be kidnapper, modestly credits luck for stopping the abduction of his sister.
The incident took place on May 10 when the boy’s 8-year-old sister ventured into their backyard to search for mushrooms. A 17-year-old male suspect emerged from the woods and grabbed the girl, whose identity remains undisclosed.
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Owen Burns, the brother, witnessed the terrifying scene unfold from a window and immediately sprang into action. Speaking to local station WWTV/WWUP-TV, he shared, “I told her to be careful before she left, and when I heard her scream, I initially thought it was her friends playing around. But when I heard another scream, I looked out the window and saw her being abducted by a person, and I was like freaking out.”
Feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do, Burns grabbed his slingshot and selected a marble and a gravel rock. He aimed at the suspect, striking him in the head and chest, leaving visible marks that aided the subsequent identification by the police. “I was just lucky. He’s just a big target because he’s not like one Pepsi can,” Burns remarked. He immediately alerted his mother, who promptly contacted the authorities.
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A family member reported spotting a man matching the suspect’s description fleeing the scene, leading state troopers to conduct a search, which resulted in the discovery of the hiding suspect. The 17-year-old has been charged as an adult with attempted kidnapping/child enticement, attempted assault to do great bodily harm less than murder, and assault and battery. His bond was set at $150,000.
According to a representative from the Michigan State Police, “You wouldn’t think if you were playing in your own backyard or on your own property that you have to be concerned about something like this, but it just goes to show that there is evil out there.”
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The spokesperson commended Owen for his swift and extraordinary response, stating that he was the one who saved his sister. The injuries inflicted by the slingshot played a crucial role in identifying the suspect.
The bravery and quick thinking displayed by Owen in such a critical situation have rightfully earned him praise and admiration.