Police: Michigan boy uses slingshot to save sister from alleged kidnapping

Posted at 11:58 AM, May 15, 2023 and last updated 11:59 AM, May 15, 2023

(Court TV/Scripps News) — A 13-year-old boy in Michigan saved his 8-year-old sister from abduction by striking the would-be kidnapper with a slingshot, reports say.

The 17-year-old suspect was arrested Wednesday soon after allegedly trying to abduct the girl from her backyard in the city of Alpena, according to Mlive.com. The assailant has not yet been identified.

Michigan State Police said the young girl was in her yard when an attacker appeared from the woods, grabbed her and covered her mouth, according to The Associated Press.

The girl’s brother used a slingshot to strike the attacker in the chest and head, causing the suspect to flee.

A family member saw the suspect escaping and helped provide a description to police, which lead to the assailant’s arrest. The suspect, who had visible wounds from the slingshot, was found and 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, reported The AP.

In an interview with detectives, the suspect admitted he intended to severely beat the child, reported MLive.com. His bond was set at $150,000 and he is due in court on May 17 for a probable cause conference.

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