This narrative exemplifies the notion that the bond between siblings is one of the most genuine and powerful forms of love that can be found.
While preparing to engage in his favorite video game, “Call of Duty: Black Ops II,” on his PlayStation 3, 13-year-old Owen Burns from Alpena Township, Michigan, was startled by the cries of his younger sister.
She was enjoying herself in the yard when the alarming screams erupted. Owen’s heart raced as he rushed to the window, fearing for her safety. The 8-year-old girl was being forcefully dragged toward the woods adjacent to their home.
In a moment of urgency, Owen grabbed the nearest projectiles he could find—a marble and a rock—and quickly retrieved the $3 slingshot that his mother had bought for him, fully aware that he needed to act swiftly. He had honed his skills with the slingshot by targeting discarded orange cans.
Incredibly, Owen succeeded in hitting the abductor twice: once in the chest and once between the eyes. The assailant was heard using foul language. Owen recounted to the Washington Post, “He was swearing.”
The young girl found herself alone after the kidnapper made his escape. Despite the severe trauma she experienced, she was ultimately safe, thanks to her brother’s bravery and quick response, which were crucial in ensuring her protection.
Upon returning home, the siblings contacted their mother, who was occupied at the time with assisting a relative. Upon receiving the distressing news, she rushed home and promptly notified the police.
The Michigan State Police later apprehended the suspected kidnapper. While his identity was not revealed, authorities confirmed that he was a 17-year-old who would be charged as an adult.
During a press conference, Lt. John Grimshaw praised Owen’s actions as “extraordinary,” asserting, “I believe he saved his sister’s life or prevented a serious incident from occurring.”
Grimshaw further recounted the incident, stating that the kidnapper “approached her from behind, seized her in a manner reminiscent of movie scenes — covering her mouth and wrapping an arm around her waist — attempting to drag her into the woods.”
Maggie Burns, the mother of Owen, found it difficult to accept her son’s assertion that he had struck the kidnapper in both the chest and the eyes. A police press release indicated that the suspect exhibited clear signs of injury that aligned with the slingshot impacts to his head and chest.
“I lie all the time, you said!” Owen exclaimed to his mother.
In response, she stated, “I just couldn’t believe it.” Until concrete evidence was provided, the situation felt surreal, reminiscent of a scene from a film.
The teenager countered, “Mom, events depicted in movies can and do occur in real life.”
Owen’s status as a genuine hero is evident. The entire community has praised him for his courageous actions in safeguarding his younger sister. Well done, young man.
