News Summary
On January 2, 2025, Greenville County was thrown into chaos when a bomb threat during a traffic stop on Interstate 85 brought all lanes to a standstill. Following an alarming claim made by the truck driver, law enforcement quickly responded to ensure public safety. After hours of investigation and a complete closure of the interstate, authorities confirmed no explosives were found, allowing traffic to resume later in the evening. The driver was taken into custody and faces serious charges, highlighting the importance of swift responses in potential threats.
Traffic Chaos in Greenville County Caused by Bomb Threat
Greenville County, South Carolina, witnessed a major disruption on January 2, 2025, after a bomb threat brought all six lanes of Interstate 85 to a standstill near mile marker 44. The incident, which kicked off around 2:45 p.m., stemmed from a traffic stop conducted by an SC State Transport Police officer. The officer stopped a tractor-trailer for a missing license plate, a routine check that quickly escalated into a tense situation.
The Start of the Trouble
During the traffic stop, the truck driver, who was later identified as 28-year-old Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi from Oak Lawn, Illinois, allegedly dropped a shocking claim: there was an explosive device inside his vehicle. This alarming allegation set off a series of events that would halt traffic for several hours and create a ripple effect on one of the busiest interstates in the region.
Law Enforcement Rallies Together
A full-scale response quickly unfolded as multiple law enforcement agencies sprang into action, including the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the FBI. Authorities acted swiftly, closing down I-85 in both directions between Exit 42 (I-185) and Exit 46 (Augusta Road). With traffic piling up for miles, deputies were stationed to stop all vehicles from entering the interstate at Whitehorse Road, leading to significant delays for commuters and travelers.
Public Safety Takes Precedence
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster confirmed that the closure was purely a precautionary measure in response to the reported threat. While the situation unraveled, tension was palpable as both law enforcement and the public waited for clarity. Finally, by approximately 6:00 p.m., the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office communicated that bomb squad members had deemed the area safe. Thankfully, no explosive devices were discovered, allowing for a collective sigh of relief.
Gradual Return to Normalcy
Once the investigation wrapped up, all lanes of I-85 were reopened around 7:40 p.m. At that point, traffic on the southbound side began to resume around 7:36 p.m., bringing some closure to an otherwise unsettling day for drivers stuck in the backup.
The Aftermath
Ahmad Alhendi was taken into custody without incident and now faces serious charges for providing false information about the bomb threat and breach of peace. It was reported that the tractor-trailer he was driving belonged to Globe Transportation, also based out of Illinois. In a twist, initial reports from the South Carolina Department of Transportation mistakenly categorized the situation as a hazardous materials spill, which only added to the confusion during the unfolding crisis.
Gratitude Amidst the Chaos
Public officials, including Congressman William Timmons, expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their prompt response, emphasizing the importance of public safety in situations like these. As traffic finally resumed, the community was left thankful for the effective handling of a potentially dangerous scenario. The incident serves as a reminder of how quickly a normal day can turn into chaos and highlights the coordinated effort required to ensure public safety in emergencies.
Conclusion
All in all, while the bomb threat disrupted the daily life of many on I-85 in Greenville County, the quick action taken by law enforcement ensured that no harm came to the public. As things get back to normal, everyone is reminded of the importance of taking threats seriously, but also of the incredible work done by those in uniform to keep the community safe.
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