ALPENA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A 13-year-old Alpena County boy saved his younger sister from a would-be kidnapper by shooting the attacker with his slingshot from his bedroom window.

“He really is the one that I believe saved his sister’s life or from something seriously bad happening to her,” state police lieutenant John Grimshaw told WGTU. “For a 13-year-old to see that and to pop into action that quickly is extraordinary and he should be commended for it.”

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The boy’s eight-year-old sister was hunting for mushrooms in her back yard in rural Alpena Township when a 17-year-old boy stepped out of the woods.

“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,” Grimshaw said.

The girl’s older brother saw what was happening from his bedroom window. He shot the attacker in the head and chest with his slingshot, allowing his sister to escape as the attacker let go and fled.

The siblings’ uncle posted about the event on Facebook, praising his nephew for his quick thinking. “Our kids are too precious to let somebody try to take them when your kids are outside playing, we really need to pay attention to what they’re doing and who’s around them,” he wrote. “I know my niece’s traumatized and I’m sending prayers for her.”

Grimshaw said the slingshot injuries helped the police identify the suspect when he was later found at a gas station.

The suspect was placed in the Alpena County Jail on counts of attempted kidnapping, child enticement, attempted assault to do great bodily harm, and assault and battery. He will be charged as an adult and is scheduled to appear in court on May 17.