Illinois Man Arrested After Bomb Threat Halts I-85 Traffic

News Summary

A routine traffic stop in Greenville, SC turned alarming when Ahmad Alhendi made a bomb threat, causing major traffic disruptions on I-85. Authorities responded swiftly, closing several lanes for over four hours. Fortunately, no explosives were found. Alhendi faces multiple legal charges, including conveying false information about a bomb threat and has ongoing immigration issues. Local officials praised the response to the incident, reaffirming safety measures undertaken.

Ahmad Alhendi Arrested Following Bomb Threat That Halted I-85 Traffic in South Carolina

Greenville, SC – A routine traffic stop turned into a tense situation on January 2, 2025, when an Illinois man, Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi, found himself in hot water after making a bomb threat during the encounter with law enforcement. The incident caused a significant traffic disruption on Interstate 85, prompting authorities to act swiftly to ensure public safety.

Traffic Stop Leads to Bomb Scare

The drama unfolded around 2:45 p.m. when a South Carolina State Transport Police officer pulled over Alhendi’s tractor-trailer, which was notably missing its license plate. During the stop, things took a concerning turn when Alhendi allegedly claimed that an explosive device was hidden within his vehicle.

In response, law enforcement officials wasted no time. They quickly closed all lanes of I-85 from Exit 42 (I-185) to Exit 46 (Augusta Road) to safely investigate the threat. This precaution, while necessary, resulted in traffic gridlock that lasted more than four hours, leaving motorists stuck as the situation unfolded.

Bomb Squad Arrives to Investigate

With the seriousness of the bomb threat in mind, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s bomb squad was called in to thoroughly search the tractor-trailer. Safety was their top priority, and the decision to bring in the bomb squad was made out of an abundance of caution. While drivers were left fuming and wondering what was going on, everyone nearby was assured that authorities were taking every possible measure to investigate the situation.

Clear the Area!

After hours of investigation, officials confirmed that no explosive devices were found in the truck. At approximately 7:40 p.m., the roadways were reopened, and traffic began to flow normally once again, albeit with many drivers eager to escape the long wait.

Legal Consequences for Alhendi

Following this scare, Alhendi faced several serious charges. These included breach of peace of a high and aggravated nature, conveying false information about a bomb threat, and operating or allowing an unregistered vehicle to be on the road. His bond was set at a hefty $20,238, reflecting the severity of the situation he created.

More Complications for Alhendi

Interestingly, the tractor-trailer was registered to Globe Transportation, a company based out of Illinois. In addition to his current troubles, Alhendi also has ongoing legal issues with an active arrest warrant for immigration removal proceedings based on information obtained from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). All in all, this incident has added a number of layers to the legal troubles he may already be facing.

Local Response to the Incident

The reaction from local officials was reflective of the diligent approach taken during the investigation. Greenville County deputies, along with SWAT and a bomb team, played crucial roles in the resolution of this incident. To begin with, initial reports indicated that a hazardous materials spill had occurred, but this was later determined to be an error made by an automated system.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster addressed the situation, emphasizing that the decision to close the interstate was made with the public’s safety in mind.

Conclusion

As this story continues to unfold, many will be left wondering what ramifications Alhendi will face both in the courts and in his ongoing immigration status. While fortunate that no explosives were found, the community can breathe a sigh of relief knowing their safety was prioritized throughout this stressful situation. Let’s hope for smoother travels on I-85 in the days to come!

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