The bond between siblings is one of the most powerful and real expressions of love, and this tale is another example of that.

Owen Burns, a 13-year-old from Alpena Township, Michigan, was ready to start his favorite game, Call of Duty: Black Ops II, on his PlayStation 3 when he heard his younger sister screaming. Screams erupted from the yard where she had been playing. Owen went to the window, concerned that something was wrong, and was astonished to find someone dragging his 8-year-old sister into the woods outside their house.

Owen realized he needed to act immediately and grabbed the $3 slingshot his mother had purchased for him, as well as the nearest objects to use as ammunition—a pebble and a rock. He was convinced he could strike the kidnapper after practicing shooting at old orange cans.

Incredibly, Owen struck the abductor twice—once between the eyes and once on the chest. “He was swearing and yelling,” Owen told the Washington Post.

The abductor rushed away, leaving Owen’s sister unharmed. Her brave and quick-thinking brother kept her unharmed despite the traumatizing experience.

When the siblings returned home, they contacted their mother, who had been assisting a relative during the event. As soon as she learned what had happened, she raced home and called the police.

Michigan State Police soon located the accused kidnapper. Although they did not reveal his identity, they confirmed that he is 17 years old and will face adult charges.

Lt. John Grimshaw lauded Owen, adding, “I believe he saved his sister’s life or prevented something bad from happening to her.” He described Owen’s actions as “extraordinary.”

Grimshaw stated that the kidnapper “came from behind her, grabbed her like you see in the movies—hand over her mouth, arm around her waist—and tried to pull her into the woods.”

Maggie Burns, Owen’s mother, did not believe his statement of punching the abductor in the eyes and chest, but the police verified it as real.

A police news statement stated that “[the suspect] had clear signs of injuries that matched the ones he would have gotten from the slingshot hits to his head and chest.”

“I just couldn’t believe it,” she said. “It didn’t feel genuine until there was confirmation.” It sounds like something from a movie.”

“Mom,” the teen responded, “things from the movies can really happen in real life.”

Owen is a true hero. Everyone in the neighborhood commended him for his bravery in defending his tiny sister. Well done, young man.