By Anybody who has read the story of David and Goliath or seen a Dennis the Menace comic strip knows the power of boy wielding a slingshot. In northern Michigan, however, a would-be kidnapper got firsthand knowledge.
Owen Burns, thirteen, was sitting in his room while his little sister was out playing in their yard when he heard trouble outside his window.
The teen told local news that he “heard a scream while playing video games but figured his sister was just ‘messing around’ with friends. A second scream alarmed him.
‘So I looked out the window and saw her being abducted by a person and I’m like freaking out,’ Owen said.
That’s when he grabbed his slingshot. Police caught the suspect and said he had visible wounds. The teen has been charged with attempted kidnapping and other crimes. State police 1st Lt. John Grimshaw said Owen’s actions were ‘extraordinary.’
He said the boy saved his sister’s life or at least prevented ‘something seriously bad happening to her.’ Owen said he had to act.
‘If I wasn’t out there and I didn’t hear her scream, then she was gone,’ he said.”
According to The Detroit News, “the attempted nabbing happened on May 10 just outside the family’s home in Alpena Township. Owen’s said she was outside looking for mushrooms.
After police broadcast a description of the suspect, one of the girl’s family members saw a man who matched it running from the area.
Troopers canvassed the area and found the suspect hiding at a nearby gas station, officials said.
After he was arrested, police identified the suspect as a 17-year-old from Alpena. Investigator said the suspect displayed signs of injuries on his head and chest where he was struck by slingshot projectiles.”
Owen said, “I was just lucky. He’s just a big target because he’s not like one Pepsi can,” CBS News reported.
One of the state police officers on the case, 1st Lt. John Grimshaw, called Owen’s actions “extraordinary.”
He said the boy saved his sister’s life or at least prevented “something seriously bad happening to her.”
When his ssiter said she was going outside, Owen recalled telling her “‘OK, be careful.’ He continued: “Then, boom, something happens.”
Something sure did, Owen. Luckily she has a guardian angel for a big brother.
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Bravo move