The Silver Spring Penguin

A woman was spared a stabbing Tuesday near downtown Silver Spring, thanks to the actions of a 12-year-old boy.

According to a police press statement, an unnamed Rockville woman was walking home from work along the 700 block of Pershing Drive in Woodside Park. That’s when her ex-boyfriend pulled up next to her in a car.

The ex — 47-year-old Byron Alexander Kelly, of Hyattsville — jumped out of the car, grabbed the woman and threatened her with a knife, police say.

Enter the kid.

The unnamed boy, who lives in the area, saw the dirty deal go down. He ran into the Chelsea School at 711 Pershing Dr, told adults what he’d seen and asked them to dial 911. He also described Kelly and where the assault was happening.

Third-district police officers responded and arrested Kelly without further incident.

“We commend the quick thinking and actions of the 12-year-old boy.” third-district acting commander Robert McCullagh said. “He really made it possible for police to know what to look for and where.”

Kelly was charged with first- and second-degree assault, plus attempted murder. He’s currently locked in the MoCo Detention Center.