13-year-old uses slingshot to stop man from kidnapping 8-year-old sister

Owen’s quick thinking and courageous act catapulted him into the spotlight as the latest viral sensation in the US. Describing the incident, Owen explained how he paused his video game upon hearing his sister’s distress and witnessed a stranger attempting to abduct her.

“I’m like freaking out,” Owen recalled.

With no time to spare, Owen reached for his slingshot, loaded a marble and a rock, and fired them at the assailant. His accurate shots struck the 17-year-old attacker in the head and chest, allowing his sister to escape and seek refuge inside their home. The assailant fled into the woods but was later apprehended by police, sustaining injuries consistent with being hit by projectiles from a slingshot.

The arrested individual faces charges of attempted kidnapping, among other crimes. Owen’s father, Andrew Burns, commended his son’s marksmanship, revealing Owen’s proficiency with foam projectile and BB guns from an early age.

“He’s a good shot – he always has been,” Andrew Burns said.

Lieutenant John Grimshaw of the Michigan State Police praised Owen’s quick reflexes and precision, suggesting that his actions likely prevented a far worse outcome for his sister. In a joint interview with CNN, Owen expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from his neighbors in Alpena.

“I’m grateful for all of that but you don’t have to give me all the stuff for no reason,” Owen said. “I know I did something right, but it’s just me.”

Despite the attention and praise, Owen remains humble, saying that he acted out of instinct to protect his sister. His bravery serves as an inspiration to us all!

Related Posts

Their acne is severe

A person should see a dermatologist if they have cysts, nodules, and deep, painful acne. They have late-onset or persistent acne: Late-onset acne may occur in adults…

Kat Timpf confirms Gutfeld! break for more surgery — But Internet trolls still won’t let her be

Kat Timpf isn’t just battling cancer, she’s battling conspiracy theories and mom-shamers, too. But as always, the Fox News star is facing it all head-on, with honesty…

Usha Vance opens up about motherhood, life as Second Lady — And that First Lady question

Usha Vance isn’t chasing the spotlight, but it’s definitely found her. The lawyer, mom of three, and now Second Lady of the United States is adjusting to…

For fun, I took a DNA test and found a brother who said we grew up together.

All it took was a click—one casual, curious click—and my whole world cracked open. I remember staring at the DNA test results on my computer, willing them…

Pregnant Mom Prays For Her Baby’s Health, Stunned When She Looks Closer At Ultrasound

Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in May 2025. In a moment both tender and mysterious, a Kentucky mother is sharing what…

BREAKING NEWS!! Sad news just confirmed the passing of…See more

The bodies of three men have been retrieved from a mudslide near Lillooet, B.C., with one individual still unaccounted for, following search operations this week, according to…