Thirteen-year-old Owen Burns’ typical afternoon turned into a heroic act when he saved his eight-year-old sister from a kidnapper. Owen was getting ready to play his favorite video game when he heard his sister screaming in the backyard. Initially, he thought she was being silly, but when he looked out the window, he saw a stranger trying to drag her into the woods.
Without hesitation, Owen grabbed his trusty slingshot, which his mom had bought for $3, and started shooting at the kidnapper. He hit him right between the eyes and then in the chest. The kidnapper let go of Owen’s sister, and she ran back into the house, sobbing. Owen was furious and chased the kidnapper, throwing a baseball at him, but missing.
The siblings then called their mom, who was on her way home from work. She rushed back to contact the police after hearing her distressed kids on the phone. The police found the 17-year-old kidnapper hiding at a nearby gas station. He was later charged with attempted kidnapping, attempted criminal assault, and misdemeanor assault and battery.
Owen’s bravery and quick thinking saved his sister’s life. His mom, Maggie, was initially skeptical about her son’s claim of hitting the kidnapper from 200 feet away, but the police confirmed the details, including the kidnapper’s injuries consistent with being hit by a slingshot.
Owen’s heroic act is a testament to the bravery and loyalty of big brothers everywhere. His story is a reminder that even in the most unexpected moments, courage and quick thinking can make all the difference.
