SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- A Spartanburg County teenager is being called a hero after he helped his neighbor who was being attacked by a coyote last week.

Officials said that 9-year-old Ashton Crowe was waiting for the school bus in Pacolet when she was attacked by a rabid coyote. Her neighbor, 16-year-old David Miller, heard the commotion and ran over to help her.

Eventually, Miller’s grandfather was able to shoot the coyote.

On Friday, Miller was given a proclamation from the state legislature in recognition of his heroics during a ceremony at Broome High School.

Miller is taking the recognition in stride.

“I just heard her screaming and ran out there,” Miller said. “(I) saw what was happening and (I knew) what needed to be done.”

Crowe’s mother said she’s certain Miller saved her daughter’s life.

“There’s nothing I can say or do to make him realize how thankful I am that he was there,” said Brandi Cantrell, Crowe’s mother. “I could have easily lost her.”

Crowe received rabies vaccinations after the attack. Her mother says she still has nightmares about the attack.