Gunman jailed after throwing weapons out of moving car during police chase
A gunman who threw weapons out of a moving car as he was driving erratically while trying to escape police has been jailed for seven years.
Earl Treasure was driving a dark blue Mistubishi Shogun on Manchester Road in Sheffield on June 13, 2024, when he began dangerously driving away from police vehicles in the area.
A chase ensued and the 46-year-old threw two handguns out of the vehicle, while also running r ed lights, driving in the centre of the carriageway and crashing into street furniture.
The car eventually came to a stop in Pearoyd Lane and he was arrested, while a search of an area nearby uncovered a small bag containing two loaded firearms.
An investigation into the guns by South Yorkshire Police’s armed crime team found them to be blank-firing weapons which had been converted into viable firearms.
Forensic testing found his DNA on each firearm - resulting in him being charged with two counts of possessing a prohibited firearm and two counts of possessing ammunition without a valid certificate, as well as driving a motor vehicle dangerously.
Treasure, of Newton Place, Thorpe Hesley, pleaded guilty to all charges and on Wednesday (Sep 10) was jailed for seven years at Sheffield Crown Court. He was also handed a driving ban of 11 years and six months.
Detective Constable David Stacey said: "Treasure drove without care in an attempt to conceal his involvement with firearm enabled criminality. It is only down to sheer luck that no innocent members of the public were injured during his reckless efforts to avoid police.
"Not only has a criminal been put behind bars, but two dangerous weapons have been seized ensuring no damage can be caused by them.
“Blank firing weapons made up a significant proportion of firearms discharges and recoveries in South Yorkshire over the last two years.
"Getting them off the streets of South Yorkshire is a priority. If you remain in possession of an illegal weapon, not only do you risk being handed a considerable jail sentence, but you are also posing a danger to innocent members of your local community.”