13/07/2026
An 8-year-old girl was playing in her backyard in Alpena, Michigan, when a man reportedly came out of the woods, covered her mouth, and tried to pull her toward the tree line.
Her 13-year-old brother, Owen Burns, heard her scream from inside the house.
He looked out the window, saw what was happening, grabbed his slingshot, and fired twice—first a marble, then a rock—striking the suspect in the head and chest.
The man reportedly let go and ran, allowing the girl to get back inside safely.
Authorities later located the suspect at a nearby gas station with injuries that investigators said were consistent with the slingshot strikes.
The suspect was charged as an adult with kidnapping, child enticement, and assault-related offenses. According to investigators, he also made statements about intending to harm the girl.
Michigan State Police described Owen's actions as extraordinary. Owen later said he would not hesitate to protect his sister again if faced with the same situation.