Bomb Threat Escalates Traffic Incident on I-85 in Greenville

News Summary

A routine traffic stop on I-85 turned alarming when Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi claimed his tractor-trailer had a bomb. This prompted a major shutdown of the interstate, affecting over 10,000 vehicles. Authorities confirmed no explosives were found. Alhendi faces multiple charges, including conveying false information about a bomb. His immigration status is under scrutiny as he awaits a hearing.

Greenville, South Carolina: Tense Moments on I-85

In a shocking turn of events, a routine traffic stop on Thursday spiraled into a significant incident that caused major disruptions on Interstate 85 near Greenville, South Carolina. Authorities arrested a 28-year-old man, Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi, from Oak Lawn, Illinois, after he allegedly claimed there was an explosive device hidden in his tractor-trailer.

Routine Stop Turns Suspicious

The drama unfolded around 2:45 p.m. when a South Carolina State Transport Police officer noticed that Alhendi’s tractor-trailer was missing a license plate. What began as a simple traffic stop quickly escalated when Alhendi reportedly informed the officer about the supposed bomb in his vehicle. This alarming revelation led to immediate action from law enforcement.

I-85 Shutdown Puts Thousands at a Standstill

With the bomb threat in play, all six lanes of I-85 were swiftly closed between mile markers 42 and 46 for several hours. This closure caused significant traffic delays, affecting over 10,000 vehicles and inconveniencing numerous drivers trying to navigate the busy highway.

A Response from the Bomb Squad

The gravity of the situation prompted the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s bomb squad to rush to the scene to investigate the threat. Roadblocks were set up, and traffic was halted for over four hours as authorities worked diligently to determine whether the danger was real. After an extensive investigation, authorities confirmed that no explosive devices were found inside Alhendi’s vehicle. Finally, around 7:40 p.m., the interstate was reopened, allowing traffic to flow once more.

Charges Filed Against Alhendi

In the wake of this incident, authorities have charged Alhendi with multiple offenses. These include breach of peace of a high and aggravated nature, conveying false information about a bomb threat, and operating or permitting an unregistered vehicle. The tractor-trailer in question was registered to Globe Transportation in Illinois, raising questions about the legality of its operation.

Legal Troubles Escalate

Initially, Alhendi was granted a bond of $20,000, but this was reconsidered due to a pending Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer. Alhendi entered the United States in 2018 on a spouse visa which is now under scrutiny amid allegations of being a “sham marriage.” With an immigration hearing scheduled for August 6, 2026, his future in the country hangs in the balance.

A Peculiar Court Appearance

During a previous court appearance, Alhendi seemed to dismiss the seriousness of the situation. When questioned about the bomb threat, he reportedly showed skepticism, questioning his seriousness in the matter. This nonchalant attitude has raised eyebrows in the community and among authorities.

A Community Impacted

As the dust settles from this unusual incident, the local community in Greenville is left to ponder the ramifications of a bomb threat that disrupted daily life and sent law enforcement into high gear. The response from various agencies, including the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, SLED, and the FBI, underscores the seriousness with which these matters are taken. While this incident caused worry and a temporary halt for thousands, safety remains the top priority in such unpredictable situations.

Looking Ahead

As residents breathe a sigh of relief now that traffic on I-85 is back to normal, Alhendi’s case continues to attract attention. With serious charges hanging over him and an immigration hearing in sight, it remains to be seen how his story will unfold in the coming months. The Greenville community will likely be keeping a close eye on this developing situation, hoping for clarity and answers from this unforeseen event.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Count On 2 News
• Google Search: I-85 bomb threat Greenville South Carolina
• WSAZ News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bomb Threat
• ABC News 4
• Google News: Bomb Threat Interstate 85