A 13-year-old boy is being recognized as a hero for his quick thinking that saved his sister's life. When Owen Burns realized that a 17-year-old teen was attempting to kidnap his 8-year-old sister, he swiftly sprung into action.
“I was just lucky," he said.
The attempted kidnapping occurred on May 10. It happened outside the family's home Alpena Township.
Owen's sister was outside in their yard looking for mushrooms at the time. He recalled telling her to be careful.
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Shortly after she went outside, Owen said, "Boom, something happens." He heard a scream, which initially didn't alarm him because he figured she was just playing around. But a second scream let him know that something was wrong.
“So I looked out the window and saw her being abducted by a person and I’m like freaking out,” Owen said. So he grabbed his slingshot.
The 13-year-old boy ran outside to his sister's rescue. He struck the abductee in the head and chest.
Police were able to catch the suspect. They noted that he had visible wounds.
The 17-year-old was taken into police custody. He's been charged with attempted kidnapping and other crimes.
State police 1st Lt. John Grimshaw said Owen’s actions were "extraordinary." Owen said he had to jump into action.
"If I wasn’t out there and I didn’t hear her scream," he explained, "then she was gone."
