The bond between siblings is often one of the strongest and most selfless forms of love, and this story is a testament to that. Owen Burns, a 13-year-old from Alpena Township, Michigan, was preparing to play his favorite video game, Call of Duty: Black Ops II, on his PlayStation 3 when he suddenly heard his younger sister screaming from the yard where she had been playing.

Alarmed, Owen rushed to the window and was horrified to see a man forcefully dragging his 8-year-old sister toward the woods near their home. Realizing the urgency of the situation, Owen acted quickly. He grabbed a $3 slingshot his mom had bought him and loaded it with the first things he could find—a marble and a rock.

Thanks to his practice hitting orange cans with the slingshot, Owen’s aim was sharp. He managed to strike the kidnapper twice: first between the eyes and then in the chest. “He was swearing. He was cussing,” Owen recalled in an interview with The Washington Post.

His quick thinking and bravery thwarted the kidnapping attempt and protected his sister from harm.

The kidnapper fled, abandoning the girl, who, while deeply shaken by the terrifying ordeal, was thankfully unharmed. Her safety was entirely thanks to her courageous and quick-thinking brother.

Once back inside, the siblings immediately called their mother, who was helping a relative when the incident occurred. As soon as she learned what had happened, she hurried home and contacted the police.

Michigan State Police quickly located the suspected kidnapper. While his name was not disclosed, authorities revealed that he is a 17-year-old who will face charges as an adult.

“He truly is the one who saved his sister’s life or prevented something terribly bad from happening to her,” Lt. John Grimshaw said during a news conference, praising Owen’s actions as “extraordinary.”

Grimshaw described the harrowing encounter, explaining that the kidnapper “approached her from behind, covering her mouth with one hand and wrapping his arm around her waist, attempting to drag her into the woods, just like in the movies.”

Initially, Owen’s mother, Maggie Burns, was skeptical of his claim that he struck the kidnapper squarely in the face and chest with his slingshot. However, police later confirmed his story.

“The suspect had visible injuries consistent with slingshot strikes to his head and chest,” authorities stated in a press release, further validating Owen’s heroic efforts.

“You always say I lie!” Owen exclaimed to his mother.

“I just couldn’t believe it,” she admitted. “It sounded too unreal—like something straight out of a movie—until I saw the proof.”

With a knowing tone, Owen replied, “Mom, the things you see in movies can and do happen in real life.”

Owen’s bravery has earned him widespread admiration, with the entire community hailing him as a true hero for protecting his younger sister. Well done, Owen—your courage is an inspiration!