Rockaway Townshia, NJ – Authorities say a suspicious vehicle stopped at a security checkpoint at a New Jersey arsenal has been deemed to pose no explosive threat.
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The Picatinny Arsenal was evacuated for several hours Friday after security personnel noticed something suspicious within the vehicle as it approached a gate.
Authorities treated the situation as an explosive threat. The driver was detained and questioned. It’s unknown if he’ll face any charges.
Employees were instructed to leave the post Friday afternoon. A stretch of highway near the post was closed, causing major travel backups in the area.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
A northern New Jersey arsenal has been evacuated after a driver tried to enter through its truck gate, and authorities are treating the situation as an explosive threat.
Officials at Picatinny Arsenal say security personnel noticed something suspicious within the vehicle as it approached the gate at around 11:30 a.m. Friday. Further details haven’t been disclosed.
The driver is in custody and being questioned.
The military post has been coordinating with local, state and federal agencies.
Employees were instructed to leave the post at around 1:45 p.m., and a stretch of highway near the post has been closed in both directions, causing major travel backups in the area.
The arsenal is located on about 6,400 acres in Jefferson Township and Rockaway Township, about 35 miles west of New York City. It specializes in the research, development, acquisition and management of advanced conventional weapon systems and advanced ammunition for all branches of the military.
The post has thousands of employees, a majority of whom are civilians. Many of those workers are researchers and engineers.