A TEENAGER has appeared in court accused of possessing an imitation firearm after reports of shots being fired at a college.
Sandijs Dreimanis appeared before Crawley Magistrates’ Court in connection with the incident at Crawley College on Monday.
Previously The Argus reported how armed police were called to the area at 3.10pm.
It was reported that a man allegedly carrying a gun was tackled by teachers at the college.
Two people sustained minor injuries, which were not gunshot wounds, and presented themselves to a walk-in medical centre.
Sussex Police said a blank firing handgun and a knife were seized from the scene.
At Crawley Magistrates’ Court Dreimanis appeared in person for a five-minute hearing to face the charges.
Crawley Magistrates Court
The 18-year-old spoke only to confirm his name, his date of birth, and his address.
During the hearing the court clerk said there were four charges he faces.
The charges included 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.
Dreimanis, of Barton Walk, Crawley, did not enter pleas to the charges and was told that the firearms charge was “indictable only” at the Crown Court.
He was represented by Richard Furlong during the hearing, while Melanie Wotton represented the Crown Prosecution Service.
Magistrate Paul Dalby told Dreimanis to stand up and said: “What we have been told about these matters are an allegation involving a firearm that can only be dealt with in a crown court.
“This case will be sent for trial on May 26, until then you will be remanded in custody.”
CRAWLEY FIREARMS INCIDENT
A spokesman from Sussex Police said: "Officers continue to work with the college and the local authority to manage the welfare and wellbeing 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 29 April.
Dreimanis will make his first appearance at Lewes Crown Court on May 26.
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