Driver in Picatinny Arsenal threat ID'd, will be deported

ROCKAWAY TWP. – The driver that sparked an "explosive threat" scare Friday at Picatinny Arsenal remains in custody and is in the process of being deported, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

"The driver of the vehicle from Friday's incident is not going to be arraigned today," Picatinny Arsenal's Office of Public Affairs said. "He is going to remain in custody pending immigration proceedings before an immigration judge. There is no time scheduled yet and it may not be this week."

No additional details were released from Picatinny Arsenal about the incident or the driver, and additional questions were forwarded to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The agency confirmed the driver, Petr Cifka, 46, of the Czech Republic, remained in custody Monday after attempting to enter Picatinny Arsenal Friday.

Cifka has been entered into deportation proceedings, and will remain in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody pending a hearing before a federal immigration judge, the agency said.

The situation began at about 11:30 a.m. Friday, when a sedan attempted to gain access to Picatinny Arsenal through the truck gate but was stopped by a guard.

There was something suspicious in the vehicle, which prompted security to treat the situation as an "explosive threat" and halt all traffic through the gate, Public Affairs said.

The driver was detained and Picatinny Arsenal employees were told to leave work.

Berkshire Valley Road was also closed from Taylor Road to Route 15 and Route 15 was closed from Route 80 to Berkshire Valley until about 5 p.m. Friday due to the situation. The closures caused major traffic chaos in the area through the evening with Route 80 backed up all the way to Parsippany by late afternoon.

After a thorough search of the vehicle, no explosives were found and the "all clear" was given, at about 5 p.m. Friday.

Picatinny Arsenal said it is coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies on the matter.

Located off of Route 15 on about 6,400 acres in portions of Rockaway and Jefferson townships, Picatinny has been designated as the Joint Center of Excellence for Armaments and Ammunition. It provides nearly 90 percent of the Army's lethality capabilities and other products and services to all branches of the U.S. military.

The installation specializes in the research, development, acquisition and life-cycle management of advanced conventional weapon systems and advanced ammunition.

The arsenal employs about 5,000 people, the majority of which whom are civilian employees or contractors, making it one of the top employers in Morris County.

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@GannettNJ.com