2 Loaded Handguns, Cash, Weed Found After Lakehurst Police See Switchblade On Man's Lap

LAKEHURST, NJ — A Monmouth County man is facing drug distribution and weapons charges after authorities found loaded handguns, several ounces of marijuana and cash in his vehicle during a motor vehicle stop, Lakehurst police said.

Marvin D. Morris, 30, of Freehold, was arrested early Sunday morning, police said.

Morris was pulled over about 12:30 a.m. by Officer Gavin Cecchini when he saw a 2008 BMW sedan for several equipment violations. Morris was asked to get out of the car after becoming uncooperative after officers observed a switchblade-style knife on his lap, police said.

After he got out of the car, police found Morris had two loaded handguns tucked in his waistband, a .38-caliber revolver and a 9mm pistol with hollow-point ammunition, police said. Officers were able to immediately secure the firearms and place Morris under arrest without escalation, police said.

The search of the car also turned up an AR-15 style rifle and shotgun in the trunk, as well as a large quantity of marijuana and packaging material consistent with distribution, and $1,200 in cash, which was seized pending civil forfeiture proceedings.

Officer Anthony Florio assisted Cecchini with the investigation.

Morris was charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a handgun; two counts of possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose; possession of a prohibited weapon for the switchblade; unlawful possession of a knife; possession of hollow-point ammunition; possession of a weapon during a CDS distribution offense; distribution of marijuana over 1 ounce; possession of marijuana over 6 ounces, and possession of drug paraphernalia, police said.

Morris is being held at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Residents can report suspicious activity and remain anonymous; tips can be submitted online on the Lakehurst Police Department website.

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