Truck Driver With Unfounded 'Explosive Threat' at Picatinny Still In Custody, May Be Deported

The man detained Friday afternoon when security guards at Picatinny Arsenal in Rockaway Township believed he was traveling with an explosive device remains in custody three days later, and could be deported.

The driver, Petr Cifka, 46, a citizen of the Czech Republic, was detained when security guards believed the truck he was driving while trying to enter the installation had an “explosive threat,” leading to a shutdown and evacuation of the Army base.

“The driver of the vehicle from Friday’s incident is not going to be arraigned today,” said Edward Lopez, a spokesperson with the base. “He is going to remain in custody pending immigration proceedings before an immigration judge.”

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

Cifka tried to gain access to the base at 11:30 a.m. Friday at the post’s truck gate when security personnel noticed something suspicious with the vehicle. Evacuations were ordered and roads closed within a five-mile radius as a result of the investigation.

Entrance to the base was halted, and at 1:44 p.m. Arsenal employees were instructed to leave the post, Lopez said.

No explosive threat was ever found, and the base gave an all clear after 5 p.m.

Picatinny has a workforce of more than 6,000 military members, Department of Defense civilians and contractors, Lopez said, but would not comment on how many were evacuated Friday.

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