By: Richard L. Smith
Passaic County authorities have arrested a father and son in Totowa after a raid on their home uncovered a large cache of illegal firearms and ammunition.
The arrest followed an investigation sparked by an anonymous tip to the Totowa Police Department, which reported that the son, Kyle Arena, 35, was engaging in dangerous behavior with firearms and posting concerning content in various Facebook groups.
The tip, received via email, alleged that Arena had been pointing firearms at people while driving and sharing photos of illegal items such as silencers.
The email included screenshots of posts from a Facebook gun enthusiasts group called "Meal Team 6.1 Mid-Tier Main Group," as well as a photo of a gun being pointed out of a car window.
Authorities initiated an investigation that included a background and firearms check on Arena.
They also combed through the Facebook group to substantiate the claims. Based on the evidence gathered, police obtained a Temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order (TERPO), allowing them to search Arena’s residence at 230 Lincoln Avenue and temporarily seize all firearms, ammunition, and other potentially dangerous items.
With support from the Passaic County Sheriff's Emergency Response Team and Bomb Units, Totowa Police executed a search warrant on the home, where Arena lives with his parents.
The search revealed a hidden arsenal of illegal weapons, including 129 fully loaded high-capacity magazines, thousands of rounds of ammunition, various sharp-edged weapons, ballistic body armor, a helmet, and components for assembling and modifying firearms.
The Bomb Unit also recovered four explosive items, some detected by a K-9 unit.
During the raid, Kyle Arena’s father, Felix Arena, 66, was arrested for disorderly conduct, terroristic threats, and resisting arrest. He was processed and released pending a court appearance.
Kyle Arena was arrested without incident and charged with multiple firearms and weapons violations.
He was processed by Totowa Police and handed over to the Passaic County Sheriff's Department, where he awaits his detention hearing.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the investigation but emphasized the importance of community tips in preventing potential threats.
