'Extraordinary' Michigan boy thwarts abduction of 8-year-old sister by shooting kidnapper with slingshot: Police

A Michigan boy is being heralded as a hero for allegedly using his slingshot to save his little sister from being abducted from their back yard, according to police.

The 8-year-old sister was reportedly hunting for mushrooms on Wednesday in the back yard of her home in Alpena, Michigan. Suddenly, a 17-year-old suspect emerged from the woods, covered the girl's mouth, grabbed her around the waist, and attempted to drag her into the woods.

The girl's 14-year-old brother was inside the family's home when he witnessed the attempted abduction. The boy sprang into action by grabbing his slingshot and running outside.

“He was able to grab his slingshot and was able to slingshot something that hit the suspect right in the head. And that caused him to let go. The girl was able to struggle and get away, and he shot another one, hit the suspect in the chest, and then fled the scene,” said Alpena Post Commander Lt. John Grimshaw.

The Michigan State Police released a description of the suspect, and he was quickly located – hiding at a nearby gas station. The suspect had injuries on his head and chest, which authorities said helped confirm that he was the alleged kidnapper.

The suspect was identified as a 17-year-old male from Alpena.

Police said that the suspect allegedly confessed to detectives that he "planned on severely beating the victim."

The unnamed suspect was arraigned in the 88th District Court on Thursday. He 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.

The suspect was taken to the juvenile section of the Alpena County Jail and was being held on $150,000 cash bond.

Grimshaw credited the brother's heroic actions for saving the life of his sister.

"He really is the one that, I believe, saved his sister's life or from having something seriously bad happening to her," he stated. "For a 14-year-old to see that and to pop into action that quickly is extraordinary."

"It just goes to show that there's evil out there, and it can find anybody, anywhere," said Grimshaw.

Grimshaw gave advice to anyone in an abduction situation.

“Fight, fight, do everything you can. Bite the hand that’s being held over your mouth," he advised. "Stomp on their feet, kick them in the shin, do whatever you can to fight. And then if your mouth is free, scream as loud as you possibly can."

The suspect's next court date is scheduled for May 17.

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