Bomb Threat Disrupts Traffic on I-85 in Greenville

News Summary

A bomb threat led to the closure of I-85 in Greenville, South Carolina, on January 2, 2025, after a traffic stop escalated with the arrest of a man who claimed to have explosives in his vehicle. Multiple agencies responded to ensure public safety, and traffic was disrupted for several hours until the area was declared safe. The suspect faces serious charges while immigration proceedings are also ongoing, creating concerns among the community about public safety.

Bomb Threat Shuts Down I-85 in Greenville: A Closer Look at the Incident

In the bustling city of Greenville, South Carolina, a routine traffic stop turned into a major incident when law enforcement faced a bomb threat that led to the closure of a key section of Interstate 85. The incident, which unfolded on January 2, 2025, involved the arrest of a 28-year-old Jordanian, identified as Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi, who is now facing serious charges.

The Start of a Worrisome Afternoon

It all began when South Carolina State Transport Police pulled over Alhendi due to a missing license plate on his tractor-trailer. A simple traffic violation soon escalated dramatically as Alhendi allegedly claimed that there was an explosive device inside his vehicle. This alarming declaration prompted immediate action from law enforcement and led to the shutdown of all six lanes of I-85 near mile marker 44 at approximately 2:45 p.m.

Emergency Response and Traffic Chaos

As the clock ticked, law enforcement quickly mobilized to secure the area and ensure public safety. The closure lasted several hours, with all lanes finally reopening around 7:40 p.m. after a thorough investigation confirmed that no explosives were found. During this time, traffic came to a standstill, creating significant delays. Motorists were rerouted to avoid the area, with specific exit routes provided for both northbound and southbound traffic.

Support from Multiple Agencies

This incident saw a collaborative response involving various law enforcement agencies, including the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and even the FBI. With public safety at the forefront, these agencies worked together seamlessly to address the situation and reassure residents.

Charges and Ongoing Proceedings

As a result of his actions, Alhendi has been charged with breach of peace of a high and aggravated nature and conveying false information about a bomb threat. Additionally, he received a citation for operating a vehicle without a license. His bond was set at a hefty $20,238 cash, signaling the severity of his alleged misdemeanors.

Immigration Complications

There’s another layer to this story as well, as Alhendi’s arrest comes amidst ongoing immigration proceedings. He originally entered the United States legally on September 20, 2018, in St. Paul, Minnesota, but failed to comply with the terms of his legal entry. Now, there is an “arrest warrant for pendency of ongoing removal proceedings” against him, with an immigration hearing scheduled for August 6, 2026, before an immigration judge.

Impact on Public Sentiment

The timing of this incident has raised eyebrows, especially following two recent occurrences in other cities where vehicles were used as weapons. Such events have heightened concerns about public safety, and citizens are indeed left pondering the implications of potential threats in their neighborhoods.

Conclusion

As the dust settles after the bomb threat incident on I-85, the community is left to reflect on the events that unfolded. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the quick action of our law enforcement agencies when faced with unexpected challenges. While traffic has returned to normal, the clouds of awareness and caution linger in the air of Greenville, illustrating the delicate balance between daily life and the unexpected possibility of danger.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Greenville Online
• Wikipedia: Interstate 85
• Fox Carolina
• Google Search: bomb threat I-85 Greenville
• WSPA
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Terrorism
• WCNC
• Google News: bomb threat I-85 Greenville