He had never met her before. She was screaming that she was about to die. He let her in anyway.
In January 2013, 14-year-old James Persyn III hid a kidnapping and assault victim inside his family's bathtub in Lincoln Township, Michigan, while the woman's attacker set the house on fire outside.
Home Alone With His Siblings
James was watching his 11-year-old sister, Acelin, and 2-year-old brother, Angus, while their father drove a short distance to pick up his fiancée from work. Suddenly, the children heard frantic banging on the front door and a woman screaming for help. James opened the door, and a terrified college student rushed inside, telling him a man had kidnapped and assaulted her and was trying to kill her.
Getting Everyone to Safety
James remembered advice his father had given him for emergencies: get everyone into the bathroom, the only room in the house without windows. He led his siblings and the woman inside, got them into the bathtub, and had his sister call 911 while he retrieved a hunting knife he'd received as a Christmas gift, standing guard as the man outside continued pounding on the door and threatening them.
The Attacker Set the House on Fire
Unknown to those hiding inside, the attacker, later identified as Eric Ramsey, poured gasoline around the house, set it alight, and fled. James's father, James Persyn Jr., raced home after getting the call, cutting his headlights near the property in hopes of catching the intruder outside. He didn't find him — instead, he found the base of his house on fire. He put the flames out using his own body and feet, then tried to get inside, initially unable to reach his children, who had the doors locked. When police arrived, they briefly mistook him for the intruder as he tried to break a window to reach his kids.
Rescue and Recovery
The children eventually opened the door once they saw police outside. The rescued woman, though injured, was described as remarkably calm once help arrived. Ramsey was later apprehended.
Recognition
James and his sister, Acelin, were later honored with a Lifesaving award for their roles in protecting the victim and their younger brother during the ordeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the attacker caught?
Yes. Eric Ramsey, identified as the assailant, was apprehended following the incident.
Was anyone hurt in the fire?
No. James's father was able to extinguish the fire before it caused serious damage or harm to those inside.
Did James receive recognition for his actions?
Yes. He and his sister were later honored with a Lifesaving award.