Authorities said an 11-year-old boy took matters into his own hands when he stabbed and chased off a violent home intruder who was attacking his mother.

The NYPD told ABC 7 News that the suspect, identified as Brian Febus, 22, knocked on the door of the Bronx family’s home Tuesday afternoon and requested to use the bathroom. When Denise Soto, 32, declined, police said Febus kicked in the door, DNAInfo reported.

Though the 32-year-old woman grabbed a kitchen knife, the suspect allegedly took the weapon, sliced her hand, and began beating her. While this went on, the 11-year-old called 911 to report a “robber in the house,” according to WABC. As Febus attempted to get the child off the phone, the tween retrieved another knife and stabbed him twice in the back. The bloodied man fled the home shortly thereafter.

The New York Post reported that Soto also sustained a busted lip and injured arm from the attack. The 11-year-old suffered scratches on his arm. Soto has a 4-year-old son who was home at the time of the incident.

Cops began their investigation Tuesday night when Febus told St. Barnabas Hospital staff that he was hurt in a street fight. The mother and son were taken to the same hospital for treatment—where they also told police what had occurred. Based on the pair’s story, officers deduced that the stabbing “victim” was Soto’s attacker. The NYPD said they immediately arrested Febus after Soto identified him.

Febus, who has 14 prior arrests, is facing felony assault and burglary charges.

Photo: Pixabay