8-year-old escapes abduction attempt in Northern Michigan, brother hits suspect in head with slingshot

Editor’s note: This story has been updated as Michigan State Police accidentally provided the wrong ages for the victim and her brother.

ALPENA TOWNSHIP, MI -- A 17-year-old suspect from Alpena has been charged in connection with the attempted kidnapping of a 8-year-old girl. Michigan State Police say the suspect was arrested Wednesday shortly after he tried to abduct the victim from her backyard.

According to a MSP news release, the girl was hunting for mushrooms in her backyard when an unknown male appeared from the woods, grabbing the girl and covering her mouth. The victim was able to breakaway from the suspect. Her 13-year-old brother witnessed the attempted abduction and shot the suspect in the head and chest with a slingshot before the suspect fled the scene.

Another family member saw the suspect fleeing from the scene and a description was provided to police who began looking for him. The suspect was eventually found hiding at a nearby gas station. The suspect had visible wounds from the slingshot and was taken into custody by police.

During an interview with detectives, police allege the suspect admitted that he planned on severely beating the child. The suspect was lodged at the Alpena County Jail and was arraigned Thursday on 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.

Despite being a juvenile, the suspect is being charged as an adult. His identity has not been released publicly and bond was set at $150,000 cash surety.He is due back in court on May 17, for a probable cause conference.

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