ALPENA TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A quick-thinking 13-year-old boy became a hero on May 10, 2023, when he used his slingshot to stop a stranger from kidnapping his 8-year-old sister in their backyard.

Owen Burns was playing video games inside when he heard his sister scream. Looking out the window, he saw a 17-year-old suspect grabbing her and trying to drag her toward the woods.

Without hesitation, Owen grabbed his slingshot, loaded it with a marble and gravel, and fired through the open window. The marble struck the suspect in the head, causing him to release the girl, who ran to safety.

The injured suspect fled but was later arrested at a nearby gas station. Police said the visible head injury helped identify him. He faces charges including attempted kidnapping.

Authorities and family praised Owen’s bravery for protecting his sister.