A 13-year-old boy saved his 8-year-old sister from being abducted from their backyard by using a slingshot, reports The Kansas City Star. The girl was hunting for mushrooms in the yard when a 17-year-old male appeared out of the woods and grabbed her, holding his hand over her mouth. She struggled against him, but it wasn’t until her brother saw what was happening that she was able to get away.
Her brother used his slingshot to shoot the attacker in the head and chest, the pain and shock of which made him lose his grip on the little girl. She was then able to run to safety.
The family immediately alerted the Michigan State Police, and troopers from the Alpena Post were dispatched to the property.
“A description of the suspect was aired, and a family member observed the suspect matching the description fleeing the area. Alpena Post Troopers canvassed the area and were able to locate the suspect hiding at a nearby gas station,” police said in a statement.
When they managed to catch up with the suspect, the teenager “had obvious signs of injury sustained from the slingshot wounds to his head and chest.” He was immediately arrested, and during an interview admitted that he “planned on severely beating the victim.”
The unnamed 17-year-old has been charged with attempted kidnapping/child enticement, attempted assault to do great bodily harm less than murder, and assault and battery. He will be charged as an adult and is due back in court on May 17. He’s currently being held on a $150,000 bond.
Thanks to the girl’s brother’s quick thinking, not to mention his impressive skills with the slingshot, he was able to save her from what could have been a very horrific attack. He deserves a medal for his bravery, that’s for sure.
