Driver who triggered evacuation at Picatinny Arsenal to be arraigned

ROCKAWAY TOWNSHIP (AP) — The driver of a suspicious vehicle that was stopped at a security checkpoint as it tried to enter an Army arsenal, triggering an evacuation, is due to be arraigned in Essex County.

Picatinny Arsenal spokesman Tim Rider tells The New Jersey Herald that charges against the motorist will be released Monday.

The arsenal was evacuated for several hours after security personnel noticed something suspicious within the vehicle as it approached a gate Friday. Authorities treated the situation as an explosive threat. The closure also closed down Route 15, which runs in front of the Arsenal and the ramps from Interstate 80 which led to big traffic issues throughout the area.

An estimated 6,000 employees were instructed to leave.

No explosives were found.

The arsenal in Morris County specializes in the research, development, acquisition and management of advanced conventional weapon systems and advanced ammunition for all branches of the military.

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