OAKVILLE, Ontario — In a scene straight out of a classic ’90s holiday movie, eight-year-old Kevin McAllister was found home alone on Thursday morning, after his family inadvertently left him behind during a chaotic rush to catch their flight for a vacation in the Caribbean. Authorities are still piecing together how young Kevin managed to defend his suburban home from two inept would-be burglars.
Oakville police received a call from a concerned neighbor, Linda Thompson, who noticed unusual activity at the McAllister residence. “I saw Kevin running around, setting up what looked like traps,” she said. “It was like watching ‘Home Alone’ in real life.”
Upon investigation, officers found the boy safe but surrounded by an impressive array of booby traps, including strategically placed marbles, a heated doorknob, and even a swinging paint can. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Officer Mark Taylor. “This kid had the whole place rigged. It was both impressive and mildly terrifying.”
Kevin’s parents, Peter and Kate McAllister, were already mid-flight when they realized their youngest son was not with them. “We were in the air, and I had this sudden, awful feeling,” said Kate. “I turned to Peter and screamed, ‘KEVIN!’ It was like a scene out of a nightmare.”
After landing, the frantic parents immediately contacted Oakville authorities. “We couldn’t believe it,” said Peter McAllister. “We had so many people, and everyone thought someone else had Kevin. It was an honest mistake, but thank God he’s okay.”
In a twist worthy of Hollywood, the two would-be burglars, identified as Harry Lime and Marv Murchins, were apprehended at the scene, suffering minor injuries from the homemade traps. “It was like walking through a minefield,” said Lime, nursing a bruised shin. “We thought it was an easy score. Turns out the kid’s a genius.”
Marv Murchins, sporting a bandaged head, echoed his partner’s sentiments. “It was humiliating,” he said. “I mean, who expects a kid to defend his house like that? We didn’t stand a chance.”
The incident has drawn a wave of media attention and comparisons to the 1990 film “Home Alone.” Local residents are both amused and alarmed. “It’s amazing what he did, but it’s also a reminder for all of us to check twice before leaving for vacation,” said neighbor Tom Jenkins.
Kevin, for his part, seemed unfazed by the ordeal. “I just did what I saw in the movie,” he said with a grin. “It was kinda fun, actually. But I’m glad my family’s coming back.”
The McAllisters are now back together, grateful for their son’s resourcefulness and the support of their community. “We’re just happy he’s safe,” said Kate. “And we’ve learned our lesson—Kevin is not being left behind ever again.”
As for Harry and Marv, they are now facing charges of attempted burglary and might consider a new line of work after their brush with the crafty young McAllister. “We’re done with houses,” said Harry. “Maybe we’ll stick to small-time stuff, like stealing candy from babies. That’s probably safer.”