DENVER (AP) — One of three students who tackled a gunman at a suburban Denver school said Tuesday he acted on instinct when he lunged at the attacker.

“In that moment, I just did what was best for me,” Joshua Jones said at a news conference. “And I’m sure everybody else in the room did the same thing.”

Jones, Kendrick Castillo, and Brendan Bialy tackled one of two teens who opened fire at STEM School Highlands Ranch south of Denver on May 7. Castillo was fatally shot. Jones was shot twice in one leg but said he is recovering quickly.

He said the three pounced almost simultaneously, but Castillo made the first move, followed by Bialy.
Jones, 18, said he doesn’t recall much because he was brimming with adrenaline.

“It wipes out all thoughts that you have. I can’t remember a whole lot from that day,” he said. “It’s just a blur, really.”

He said the care he received from emergency responders made him want to become an emergency medical technician after he returns from a church mission.

“EMTs were so incredibly helpful and kind. I want to be able to do that,” he said.

A memorial service is planned Wednesday for Castillo, 18.

Friends say he had an infectious smile and a gentle sense of humor and was excited to help people.

“It’s sad to see him go,” Jones said, saying he, Bialy and Castillo were good friends.

Devon Erickson, 18, and 16-year-old Alec McKinney, who is listed in court records as Maya, are being held on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. Both are due in court Wednesday.

Authorities say they went into the school with handguns and opened fire. Officials have offered no motive.

Eight students were wounded, but all have been released from hospitals.