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14-year-old boy uses slingshot to save his younger sister from getting kidnapped

By Melanie Uson Published May 21, 2023 4:07 pm

A 14-year-old boy from Michigan was able to save his younger sister from getting kidnapped using only a slingshot. 

According to local media, the police said that the 8-year-old girl was in their backyard when a 17-year-old stranger—who came from the woods—tried to abduct her. 

Fortunately, her older brother witnessed everything and immediately hit the suspect on the head and chest using a slingshot, allowing her sister to escape from her potential kidnapper.

"The suspect had come through the woods onto the property and came from behind her, grabbed her like you'd see in the movies—hand over the mouth, arm around the waist—and was attempting to pull her into the woods," Lt. John Grimshaw told WGTU. 

The local authorities found the suspect hiding at a nearby gas station later that day. He was immediately recognized due to the slingshot injuries on his head and body. 

“What he did helped us identify who the suspect was because obviously, he had injuries with a slingshot. Those were things that helped us evidentiary-wise, so that was very valuable too,” Grimshaw said. 

While slingshots serve as toys for the young ones, Grimshaw commended the victim’s brother for having been able to use one as a weapon to save his sister from danger.

"He really is the one that I believe saved his sister's, either life or [from] something seriously bad happening to her,” he said. 

“For a 14-year-old to see that and pop into action that quickly is extraordinary, and he should be commended for it,” he added. 

Authorities said the suspect was charged as an adult 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. He is also required to pay $150,000 (over P8 million) for legal fees.