13-Year-Old Boy Stops Kidnapper with a $3 Slingshot.

In a small town in Michigan, 13-year-old Owen Burns became a true hero when he stepped in to protect his younger sister from a frightening kidnapping attempt.

That day, Owen had just returned home from school. All he wanted was to relax and play video games—something he, like many boys his age, loved doing. Meanwhile, his 8-year-old sister was playing in the backyard. Excited, she had gone out looking for mushrooms near the woods behind their house.

Suddenly, the peaceful afternoon was interrupted by her screams. At first, Owen thought she was just playing with friends, but the desperate tone in her voice made him rush to his bedroom window. What he saw left him frozen: a strange man was trying to drag his sister into the woods.

The man had grabbed her around the waist and was covering her mouth, trying to silence her. Owen realized he was alone and had to act fast. Without hesitation, he grabbed the only thing he had nearby: a slingshot his mom had bought for just three dollars. It was time to defend his sister.

He loaded a rock into the slingshot, pulled back the yellow band, and fired. The man was about 200 feet away, but Owen’s aim was perfect—the rock hit the kidnapper right between the eyes. Owen quickly loaded another rock and hit him again, this time in the chest. These quick and precise shots gave his sister the chance to break free and run back to the house safely.

She cried as she told Owen how close she had come to being taken. Meanwhile, Owen ran outside, shouting loudly as the attacker fled—injured and shocked by the boy’s unexpected defense.

Although the man escaped at that moment, Owen’s detailed description helped the police identify and arrest him shortly after. The suspect was a 17-year-old local who now faces serious charges.

Owen’s brave and quick thinking was praised by the local authorities. At a press conference, Lieutenant John Grimshaw highlighted how Owen’s actions prevented a terrible outcome. His entire community—and soon people everywhere—saw him as a real-life hero.

Later, Owen and his sister called their mother, who came quickly and contacted the police. The marks left on the suspect’s body by the slingshot helped confirm Owen’s story.

What seemed like a cheap toy became a tool of courage that day. Owen had spent time practicing with it, shooting at old juice cans—never imagining that his skill would one day save a life.

Owen Burns’ story is a modern-day David and Goliath moment. It shows that courage and quick thinking can prevent disaster. Besides saving his sister, the incident brought his family closer, strengthening the trust they had in each other.

There are many kinds of heroes, and sometimes the simplest tools can make the biggest difference. Well done, Owen—you reminded us all of the power of bravery and the importance of family.

Watch the full interview in the comments below.