Teen who saved sister from alleged kidnapper with slingshot speaks out
A teen in Michigan is being hailed a hero for his quick thinking after he used a slingshot to save his little sister from a suspected kidnapping.
On May 10, Owen Burns was at home with his 8-year-old sister in Alpena Township when he saw a man appear from the woods, approach his sister in their backyard and hold his sister’s mouth shut, Michigan State Police said in a press release, ABC News reported.
“Her mouth was closed and he was hugging her on his chest. My sister kicked him and then he started running after her,” Owen, 13, told “Good Morning America.”
The girl, who has not been identified, was able to break away. The 13-year-old said he sprang into action and grabbed his slingshot.
“I get my slingshot, got a marble and rock then I shot [the suspect] three times in the head and chest,” said Owen.
Andrew and Margaret Burns, the parents of Owen and his sister, said they were shocked something like this could happen.
“They were in a state of panic and screaming and she was crying and the only word I could make out of the whole conversation was kidnap,” Margaret Burns told Traverse City ABC affiliate WGTU.
The suspect -- identified as a 17-year-old from Alpena -- fled the area but was later located by state troopers and was able to be identified in part by injuries from the slingshot, police said.
"What he did helped us to identify who the suspect was because obviously, he had injuries from getting hit with a slingshot. To see that and pop into action that quickly is extraordinary and he should be commended for it,” Alpena Post Commander Lt. John Grimshaw said.
The suspect, whose name has not been released by police, was arrested and charged as an adult and now faces charges of attempted kidnapping, assault and battery.
Both parents said they’re “extremely proud and forever grateful” for their son’s bravery.
“Once it all set in, it kind of hit pretty hard,” said Andrew Burns. “Because it could have been a whole different outcome.”
Owen said he wouldn’t hesitate to save his sister again
“If it does happen again, I'll do it again,” said Owen.
ABC News' Meredith Deliso contributed to this report.
