11-year-old Mich. girl scares off burglar with shotgun

NORTH BRANCH TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Authorities say an 11-year-old girl pointed a shotgun to scare off a man invading her home in the rural Michigan Thumb area.

Lapeer County sheriff's Detective Sgt. Jason Parks calls her a "very brave girl" who "held her composure" and helped investigators catch the 53-year-old intruder.

She was alone in the North Branch Township home Friday afternoon when the break-in occurred and hid inside a bathroom closet.

The suspect opened the door but fled when the girl pointed the shotgun at him. Authorities arrested him and a 31-year-old companion soon after in Imlay City.

James Wasson of Detroit was arraigned Sunday in Lapeer District Court on home invasion, burglary and firearms charges. Rhonda Stewart, also of Detroit, is charged with home invasion.