Hero College Staff Tackle Armed Suspect at Crawley College
Two brave Crawley College staff members stopped an armed suspect in his tracks during a tense incident on Monday afternoon, 26 April.
Shots Fired, Staff Spring Into Action
Just after 3:10pm, police were alerted to shots fired at the College Road campus. Responding fast, officers found the man already detained by a teacher and a support staff member, who courageously confronted him.
A blank firing handgun and a knife were recovered. By 3:20pm, an 18-year-old Crawley man was in custody for firearms offences.
Safety First: Pupils Evacuated, No Serious Injuries
Everyone on site was quickly evacuated to safety while police, bomb disposal experts, firefighters, and paramedics combed the premises. No suspicious items were found.
The two heroic staff suffered minor injuries—not gunshot wounds—and sought medical help. No one else was hurt, and there was no damage from the blank shots fired.
Police Praise Quick-Thinking Staff, Investigation Ongoing
“They put themselves in harm’s way to protect students and the public,” said Chief Inspector Shane Baker. “Their heroics haven’t gone unnoticed, and I’m hugely grateful for their quick-thinking.”
The incident is being treated as isolated and not terror-related. Police have searched a linked address in Barton Walk and continue inquiries under Operation Reset.
Crawley College is aiding police and will remain closed until at least Thursday, 29 April. Anyone with information is urged to contact Sussex Police online or call 101.
