Hero Tutor Takes Down Armed Teen at Crawley College
Steve Hopkins, 51, didn’t hesitate when a masked teenager stormed Crawley College in West Sussex, firing six shots from a handgun. The mechanical engineering tutor shouted at students to “run for their lives” as the teen waved and fired the weapon.
Blanks Fired but Panic Erupts
Thankfully, the gun was loaded with blanks. But the chaos was real. Mr Hopkins charged out of his classroom, chasing the armed teen who then tried to stab him with a knife. Luckily, the tutor escaped without injury.
Teachers Wrestle Gunman to Ground
After the initial attack, a second teacher stepped in to rugby tackle the youngster, pinning him to the floor until police arrived to make the arrest. Armed officers, snipers, and dog units swamped the scene in the tense aftermath.
Students Praise Brave Response
“It was so shocking. Everyone dived for cover after hearing the shots,” said one motor mechanics student. “The pistol was pointed right at Steve, but thankfully it was blanks. My friend was having a panic attack. Steve was amazing, telling us to get back inside.”
Reluctant hero Hopkins, who lives quietly in Pulborough, West Sussex, has kept silent since the ordeal. Meanwhile, the college has arranged counselling for traumatized students and staff.
Background on the Gunman
Neighbours say the teen, who lives with his family locally, had been struggling with lockdown-related issues. The young man had attended the college before the shocking incident.
Children hid in classrooms and toilets as the hooded gunman roamed the school, screaming and waving his weapon, spreading terror despite the gun firing blanks.
