THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, September 19, 1995 TAG: 9509190040
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Short : 40 lines
Navy investigators are seeking a Norfolk-based sailor for desertion after he allegedly broke into an evidence locker aboard a ship and removed a pistol and small quantity of drugs.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Bresslin Morrison, a hull technician assigned to the submarine tender L.Y. Spear, also is being sought for investigation of assault charges involving a master-at-arms whom he allegedly handcuffed.
Morrison, 24, who lists his hometown as Reading, Pa., was originally being detained aboard his ship after being turned in Sept. 7 by a shipmate for having a 9mm pistol and marijuana in his locker.
The gun and drugs were confiscated and placed in an evidence locker, officials said.
Morrison was restricted to his ship, awaiting an administrative hearing.
About 2:30 a.m. the next day, Morrison allegedly overpowered an enlisted woman serving as master-at-arms, threatened her and handcuffed her to a railing. She was not injured.
He then allegedly used bolt cutters to open the locker and remove the gun and drugs, officials said.
Morrison ``is being listed as a deserter and is under investigation for weapons possession and illegal drugs,'' said Cmdr. Greg Smith, a spokesman for the Atlantic Fleet Submarine Force.
``He also is being sought on charges of theft of a weapon and drugs, and assault on a master-at-arms petty officer,'' Smith said. ``No formal charges have been filed.''
Agents from the Naval Criminal Investigate Service, and local police, are searching for Morrison, who has been in the Navy more than four years.
KEYWORDS: DRUGS ILLEGAL DESERTER by CNB