Young Boy Uses Slingshot To Save His 8-Year-Old Sister From Being Abducted From Backyard
"I shot him in the head and chest and she starts running," Owen Burns said.
Age doesn't matter when it comes to loyalty and fearlessness.
A 13-year-old boy from Michigan is being hailed a hero (and the world's best brother) after bravely rescuing his 8-year-old sister from a potential abduction.
Armed with nothing but a slingshot, Owen Burns thwarted the would-be kidnapper in an impressive David vs. Goliath-esque display.
According to the Michigan State Police, Owen's younger sister was mushroom hunting in her rural backyard when a 17-year-old male appeared from the woods beside the property. Grabbing the girl from behind and covering her mouth, he attempted to drag her back with him.
The assailant would have been successful had it not been for her older brother saving the day and most likely, her life.
How a Boy and His Slingshot Saved His Sister's Life
Owen was in his bedroom when he heard his sister's screams. He immediately ran to the window to see what was happening.
Upon witnessing the attack, he grabbed his slingshot and a green marble and took aim - out his bedroom window - at the assailant 200 FEET away.
KEEP READING: 3 Kids in a Family of 6 Are All About to Lose Their Eyesight — What They Do Next Is Shockingly Brave
With the precision of a sharpshooter, Owen fired, shooting the assailant in the head. He then grabbed a rock, reloaded his trusty $3 slingshot, and shot him squarely in the chest. His sister, seizing the opportunity to get away, took off running into the house.
"I shot him in the head and chest and she starts running," Owen told NPR in an interview.
The kidnapper, reeling from the shots, fled into the woods. Owen's sister was unharmed.
Michigan State Troopers found the suspect hiding at a nearby gas station later that day. He was easy to identify, bearing the marks of Owen's handiwork.
"What [Burns] 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," Lt. John Grimshaw said in a news conference.
Police arrested the 17-year-old and charged him with one count of attempted kidnapping/child enticement, one count of attempted assault to do great bodily harm less than murder, and one count of assault and battery.
Detectives say that he allegedly confessed that he "planned on severely beating the victim."
Owen Burns is Being Hailed a Hero
There's no denying that Owen's heroic intervention made all the difference that day. If he hadn't acted when he did, the outcome would have been tragic.
"He really is the one that I believe saved his sister's either life or from something seriously bad happening to her, " Lt. John Grimshaw said. "He should be commended for it."
Not to mention he's won brother brownie points FOR LIFE.
Thanks to Owen's quick thinking, bold action, and skillful use of a simple slingshot, a truly terrifying situation has a happy ending.
Something his mother, Margaret, is also incredibly grateful for. It may even be enough to convince her to allow Owen to start using the slingshot at home. She had previously banned it because he would occasionally break things.
The proud mom told NPR that she was glad her son picked up the slingshot when he did, and called his actions that day "very impressive."
Impressive, indeed. Owen is only 13 years old. He's still a child himself. And yet, he didn't let that stop him from protecting his little sister when she needed him most.
Siblings may bicker and fight, but when it comes to outside threats, they will always have each other's backs. That is the power and strength of the sibling bond, regardless of age.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.