Home / Crime and Justice / Shotgun Terror: Burglars Ambush Van Driver
Shotgun Terror: Burglars Ambush Van Driver
3 Jul
Summary
- Three burglars fired shotgun at a passing van driver in Essex.
- The victim narrowly escaped injury during the April 2025 incident.
- The attackers received lengthy prison sentences for their crimes.
In a dramatic turn of events, three burglars received significant prison sentences for a violent incident in Essex. In the early hours of April 18, 2025, Johnny Smith, Donny Archer, and Nelson Buckland lay in wait and fired shotgun bullets at a passing van driver in Crays Hill, near Basildon.
The victim narrowly escaped injury as the bullets missed. This attack was reportedly part of a feud between two rival groups. Police apprehended Johnny Smith, aged 20, while he was driving on the A127 in Wickford.
At Basildon Crown Court on Thursday, Smith was jailed for 13-and-a-half years after being convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent, possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, and burglary. Donny Archer, 27, received an 18-year sentence, and Nelson Buckland, 21, was imprisoned for 12-and-a-half years for the same offences. Authorities stated the trio's actions could have easily resulted in tragedy.
