A tale as old as time unfolded in the heart of Michigan recently, only it was no fairytale.
This story is one of courage and brotherly love mixed in with just a hint of David and Goliath.
This modern-day account doesn’t involve a giant or an army, but a young boy, a slingshot, and an act of bravery that saved his sister from imminent danger.
13-year-old Owen Burns took on the role of protector when his 8-year-old sister faced a threat in their own backyard.
The setting was as ordinary as any other day, with the younger sister hunting for mushrooms near the woods adjoining their property.
However, tranquility was shattered when a 17-year-old male emerged, attempting to abduct her.
The story takes a turn for the extraordinary when Owen hears his sister’s screams and rushes to her aid.
His weapon of choice? A slingshot.
Armed with nothing but his slingshot and sheer determination, Owen took aim from his bedroom window, a staggering 200 feet away.
With precision that rivals the skill of seasoned archers, he fired off a marble followed by a rock.
Even more incredible is that both struck the assailant- one to the head and one to the chest.
This act of righteous indignation provided the crucial moment she needed to escape and run to safety.
“I shot him in the head and chest and she starts running,” Owen recounted, his words underscoring the gravity of the moment and the weight of his actions.
The assailant, marked by Owen’s slingshot, fled into the woods, only to be later found by Michigan State Troopers.
He was easy enough to identify since Owen beaned him not once but twice, leaving little doubt about where the markings came from.
The would-be kidnapper was charged with attempted kidnapping among a slew of other offenses.
His apprehension brought a sense of closure and safety back to the Burns family.
It was a moment of triumph, not just for Owen but for his community and family, illustrating the power of courage in the face of fear.
The sheriff gave full credit for his sister’s rescue to Owen and Owen alone.
“What he did helped us to identify who the suspect was, because obviously he had injuries from getting hit with a slingshot, and those were things that helped us evidentiary-wise to identify who it was, so that was very valuable too,” proclaimed Lt. John Grimshaw in a news conference.
Siblings may quarrel, but their bond is unbreakable, especially when faced with adversity.
Owen and his slingshot, much like David and his stone, remind us of the extraordinary feats that can be achieved with simple means when fueled by love and a desire to protect.
As the community recognizes Owen as the hero he is, and his story resonates far beyond the confines of his Michigan hometown.
Hear Owen recount how he saved his little sister in the video below!
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