A teenager appeared in court this morning to face a series of charges two days after an armed incident at Crawley College.
Sandijs Dreimanis, 18, who is from the West Sussex town, faces a charge of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
He has also been charged with two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and possession of a bladed article on a school premises.
Dreimanis appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court today, wearing grey sweatshirt and dark trousers, a face mask and sporting a graze to his forehead.
He spoke only to confirm his name and address. Dreimanis entered no pleas to the charges and the case was sent to Lewes Crown Court for a hearing on May 26.
Melanie Wotton, prosecuting, told the court: ‘Armed with an imitation firearm and a knife, [the suspect] had entered Crawley College and walked around the college for a period of time.
‘[The suspect] then took the firearm out and pointed at members of staff and aimed that imitation firearm and then pulled the trigger causing [a] great amount of distress.
‘[The suspect] was wrestled to the floor. [The suspect] said he had wanted armed officers to attend so he would be shot.’
Magistrate Paul Dalby said: ‘The allegation involving a firearm can only be dealt with at the Crown Court, and as the other matters occurred at the same time they too will be dealt with at the Crown Court. Until then you will be remanded in custody.’
It comes two days after students and staff at Crawley College were evacuated with their hands on their heads after shots rang out at the campus.
Sandijs Dreimanis, 18, has been charged following the incident at Crawley College on Monday
The suspect is led away from the scene at Crawley College following the incident on Monday
Armed police at the scene of the incident at Crawley College in West Sussex on Monday
The heroics of one teacher and their colleague, who were injured tackling an armed suspect, were hailed by police and the college praised the emergency services.
As the suspect fled on Monday, mechanical engineering teacher Steve Hopkins, 51, raced out of his classroom and faced them down.
Local officers were liaising with counter-terror specialists on Monday evening but later announced that it was not being treated as a terrorist incident.
The incident saw significant numbers of armed police dispatched after officers received multiple calls shortly after 3.10pm of reports of shots fired at the college.
Crawley College principal Vicki Illingworth said on Tuesday: ‘Our college community was shaken by the actions that occurred yesterday afternoon.
Mechanical engineering tutor Steve Hopkins, 51, raced outside and faced down the suspect
The suspect is seen being tackled to the ground during the incident in Crawley on Monday
Monday’s incident saw significant numbers of armed police dispatched to Crawley College
‘I cannot praise the courage, resilience and support shown by our staff enough.
‘They have been incredible and the care and compassion they shared with our students and with each other continues to fill me with admiration.
‘We can confirm two members of our staff did sustain some minor injuries, which were not gunshot wounds.
‘Their heroic actions, and the rapid response of emergency services, helped to protect our college community.’
Police searching the suspect’s home in the West Sussex town of Crawley yesterday
A Sussex Police spokesman said this morning: ‘Police investigating an incident at Crawley College on Monday, April 26 have charged a man with multiple offences.
‘Shortly after 3.10pm, police received reports of shots being fired at the site in College Road.
‘Officers swiftly responded to the scene, where the suspect had been detained by two college employees; a teacher and a member of support staff.
‘A blank firing handgun and a knife were seized, and at 3.20pm an 18-year-old man from Crawley was arrested.
Armed police at the scene of the incident at Crawley College in West Sussex on Monday
Local officers were liaising with counter-terror specialists on Monday evening
‘Two people sustained minor injuries – not gunshot wounds – and presented themselves to a walk-in medical centre. Thankfully, no other injuries were reported.
‘Sandijs Dreimanis, 18, of Crawley, has been charged with possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and possession of a bladed article on a school premises.
‘He has been remanded to appear at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, April 28.
‘Police are treating this as an isolated incident which was not terror-related, and nobody else is being sought in connection with it.
Armed police at the scene at Crawley College on Monday following reports of gunshot fire L
‘Officers continue to work with the college and the local authority to manage the welfare and well-being of those involved, including students.
‘Anyone with any information can report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Reset.
‘Crawley College is assisting Sussex Police with its investigation, and has confirmed that the college will be closed until at least Thursday, April 29.’
