An independent investigation has cleared police officers of any potential misconduct after a firearms operation in Whitefield ended with a drug dealer being shot in the elbow. Lewis Hanson, 20, was boxed in by armed officers on May 22 after they watched him make street deals in Bury, Radcliffe, Whitefield and Greenmount.
Hanson, who had been under surveillance by Greater Manchester Police's Serious and Organised Crime Group, attempted to evade arrest when officers tried to stop his Cupra car at the junction of Bury New Road and Chestnut Avenue. A single shot was discharged, striking him in the elbow.
Investigation clears officers
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said its investigation into the GMP firearms operation was 'progressing well'. Investigators now have statements from all officers involved, who have been told they are being treated as witnesses rather than being under investigation for their conduct.
IOPC Director of Engagement, Amanda Rowe, said: "While police shootings are thankfully incredibly rare in this country, it is important for public confidence in the police that incidents like this are thoroughly investigated."
"This is being carried out independently of police and will look at the grounds for, and planning of, the stop of the vehicle, as well as the police assessment of the risk the man posed, and the level of force used on him. We will make our final decisions once the investigation report has been completed, but the officers have all been made aware they are being treated as witnesses."
Firearm and drugs recovered
Following the shooting, police found a modified Retay 17 blank firing pistol, similar in design to a Glock 17, which had been converted to discharge live rounds. Ammunition was recovered concealed inside a black bin bag in a bedroom wardrobe, along with Class A and B drugs, scales, vacuum-packed bags and numerous empty snap bags.
Officers also found two black face coverings, an anti-spy radio detector, and a lock knife at the home where Hanson lived with his mother. A Gucci sweatshirt with a £1,150 price tag still attached was seized, along with receipts for designer clothing worth just over £1,000.
Sentencing
Hanson, of Parr Lane, Bury, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of a class B drug, conspiracy to sell a prohibited weapon, possessing a prohibited firearm, possessing ammunition without a firearm certificate, possession of a class A drug with intent to supply, and possession of a class B drug with intent to supply.
Judge Fiona Clancy detained Hanson at a young offender institution for a total of 82 months, saying: "Guns kill. Sentencing courts must address that there are too many lethal weapons too readily available. Young children have lost their lives because somebody has used a prohibited weapon sold in this way."
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."
