Boy sees little sister being dragged into wood, opens window and does something unexpected

It was a quiet afternoon in Michigan when 13-year-old Owen Burns got home from school with his 8-year-old sister, Ariana. Their parents were still out, so Owen headed to his bedroom to play Call of Duty—his usual routine. Ariana, full of energy, went outside to play in the backyard.

From his room, Owen could occasionally hear her laughing and talking. When he noticed other voices, he figured she had run into some neighborhood kids. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary—until he heard something that made his blood run cold.

A piercing scream.

It was sharp, terrified, and unlike anything he had ever heard from Ariana.

He immediately dropped his game and rushed to the window.

What he saw made his heart race. A strange man was in the backyard, grabbing Ariana and trying to drag her toward the woods. One hand was over her mouth to muffle her screams, the other pulling her by force.

Owen didn’t hesitate.

With no time to think, he grabbed his $3 slingshot, loaded it with a marble, and took aim through the window. He fired—and hit the man square in the forehead. The attacker flinched in pain.

Owen reloaded and fired again.

Another hit.

That second shot was enough to make the man lose his grip. Ariana broke free and ran toward the house, straight into her brother’s arms.

Still not satisfied, Owen sprinted outside, ready to confront the attacker—but the man had already taken off.

The police were called immediately. Thanks to Owen’s quick actions and description, officers located the suspect not far away at a gas station. He was arrested on the spot and later charged with attempted kidnapping.

In the days that followed, the Burns family had more than one reason to celebrate. Ariana turned eight just days after the terrifying incident—and she was safe to enjoy her birthday, all thanks to her big brother’s bravery.

Owen’s slingshot—a toy he’d barely thought about before—became the tool that helped save his sister’s life.

And Owen, just 13, became a real-life hero.