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Brother Saves 8-year-old Sister Using a Slingshot on Attacker

On May 10, an 8–year–old girl was mushroom hunting in her own backyard in Alpena Township when a 17–year–old attacked her. “The suspect had come through the woods on to her property, came from behind her, grabbed from behind her like you would see in the movies, hand over the mouth, arm around the waist and was attempting to pull her into the woods,” said Lt. John Grimshaw with the Michigan State Police Alpena Post.

While she struggled with her attacker, her 14–year–old brother saw what was happening from inside the house and took action. He managed to hit the suspect using a slingshot in both the head and chest. The 17–year–old then fled to a nearby gas station where he was later found by police.

Lt. John Grimshaw demonstrates how the attacker attempted to restrain the victim.

The suspect was arraigned the next day and faces one count of attempted kidnapping, one count of attempted assault to do great bodily harm less than murder, one count of assault and battery, and he was given a $150,000 bond. He’ll be tried as an adult.

“These acts, as we’ve seen across the country, can occur anywhere from schools to malls, to universities, wherever,” Grimshaw said. “So what I would tell people is, especially parents, is always keep an eye and know where your children are at all times.”

Grimshaw took a moment at Friday’s press conference to recognize the heroic actions of the 14–year–old brother of the victim. “He really is the one that I believe saved his sister’s life or something seriously bad happening to her,” he said. “For a 14–year–old to see that and pop into action that quickly is extraordinary.”

The suspect is now being held in the Alpena County jail away from the general population and will have his next court date on May 17.

Lieutenant Grimshaw also wanted to recognize the troopers and detectives who were instrumental in capturing the suspect.