Drug dealer shot by police as he tried to flee arrest in Whitefield is jailed
A converted gun, and Class A drugs were found at an address linked to Lewis Hanson
A drug dealer who was shot by police as he tried to evade arrest in Bury has been jailed.
Lewis Hanson, 20, was struck in the arm when officers fired a single shot on Bury New Road in Whitefield at around 3pm on Friday 22nd May 2026.
He was detained shortly afterwards and taken to hospital, where his injury was assessed as not life-threatening or life-changing.
Hanson, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday 27th August 2026.
He had pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs, possession of a prohibited firearm, conspiracy to supply a firearm, possession of ammunition, and being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.
He was jailed for six years and 10 months.
Greater Manchester Police's Serious and Organised Crime Group had been watching Hanson's movements on the day of his arrest.
He was seen driving a white Cupra Ateca around Radcliffe, Whitefield and Greenmount, repeatedly returning to an address in Chapelfield.
Officers said they witnessed a number of interactions consistent with suspected drug supply activity.
When they tried to stop the car on Bury New Road, Hanson attempted to get away, and officers discharged a single shot that struck him in the arm.
A search of the Chapelfield address uncovered a converted Retay Model 17 blank-firing pistol, a prohibited weapon under the Firearms Act.
Ammunition was also recovered, concealed inside a black bin bag in a bedroom wardrobe.
Officers seized a quantity of Class A and B drugs, along with scales, vacuum-packed bags and numerous empty snap bags.
Detective Superintendent Joe Harrop, of GMP's Serious Crime Division, said: "Hanson played a key role in the supply of illegal drugs throughout Bury and beyond, our investigation uncovered evidence of drug dealing and with the recovery of a prohibited firearm at an address linked to him.
"Ammunition and drug supply paraphernalia were also found, underlining the lengths he may have gone to, to protect his interests.
"The presence of a converted firearm in these circumstances is deeply concerning and demonstrates the dangerous environment often associated with organised criminal activity.
"Drug dealing and firearms have a devastating impact on our communities. They fuel exploitation, violence and fear, and we know that residents want this type of criminality removed from their area, and we are doing all we can to do exactly that.
"Today's sentence reflects the seriousness of Hanson's offending. It should serve as a warning that anyone who chooses to carry a firearm and supply drugs.
"We will continue to relentlessly pursue those involved in the supply of drugs, the possession of illegal firearms and organised criminality. We remain committed to protecting our communities, disrupting criminal networks and bringing offenders to justice."