Illinois Man Arrested After Bomb Threat Shuts Down I-85

News Summary

An Illinois man, Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi, was arrested after claiming there was a bomb in his vehicle during a routine traffic stop on I-85 in Greenville, SC. His false claim led to a significant shutdown of the interstate, impacting traffic for over four hours. Following an extensive investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies, no explosives were found, but Alhendi now faces severe charges, including breach of peace and conveying false information regarding a bomb threat.

Illinois Man Arrested After Bomb Threat Causes I-85 Shutdown in Greenville, SC

Greenville, South Carolina, experienced a wild scene on Thursday afternoon when an Illinois man found himself in hot water following a bomb threat that led to significant traffic disruptions on Interstate 85. The incident unfolded around 2:45 p.m. as authorities pulled over a tractor-trailer near Exit 44 due to a missing license plate.

Traffic Stop Gone Wrong

It was a routine traffic stop initiated by a South Carolina Transport Police officer but took a bizarre turn when the driver, identified as Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi, made a startling claim. He said there was an explosive device inside his vehicle. Those kinds of statements immediately raise red flags, and the police reacted quickly, closing all lanes of I-85 in both directions from Exit 42 to Exit 46 to conduct a thorough investigation.

Law Enforcement Swings Into Action

Law enforcement agencies were mobilized, with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the FBI stepping into action. The authorities didn’t take any chances. SWAT teams and bomb squad members arrived on the scene, gearing up for a serious operation. Meanwhile, traffic came to a standstill, with vehicles stuck for more than four hours as everyone waited for the situation to unfold.

Significant Traffic Delays

The closure of I-85 was no small ordeal for local motorists. Many drivers found themselves at a standstill, with hours wasted in bumper-to-bumper traffic. The delays were cumbersome, causing frustration and uncertainty for those who were simply trying to get home. Social media lit up as concerned citizens reacted to the unexpected turn of events.

Precautionary Measures Taken

State Governor Henry McMaster took to social media to inform the public about the closure, emphasizing that it was done out of “an abundance of caution.” Initial reports mistakenly indicated that the situation involved a hazardous materials spill, but that was soon corrected as the focus shifted to the bomb threat investigation.

No Explosives Found

After a thorough examination by the bomb squad, it was confirmed that no explosive devices were found in Alhendi’s vehicle, bringing some much-needed relief to the authorities and the public alike. I-85 was officially reopened around 7:40 p.m. once the area was deemed completely safe.

Legal Fallout for Alhendi

With the bomb threat behind them, law enforcement turned their attention to Alhendi himself. He faces serious charges, including breach of peace of a high and aggravated nature, conveying false information about a bomb threat, and operating an unregistered vehicle. The court set his bond at a hefty $20,238, reflecting the severity of the allegations against him. Furthermore, it was discovered that he had an outstanding arrest warrant related to ongoing removal proceedings issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Company in the Spotlight

Interestingly, the tractor-trailer involved in this chaotic day was registered to Globe Transportation based in Illinois. While the company may not have been directly involved in this shocking incident, this could bring about some scrutiny on how preparation and compliance are handled.

In conclusion, while Thursday’s events drastically interrupted the daily lives of many in Greenville and raised concerns about safety, the quick actions of law enforcement managed to avert any potential danger. Alhendi’s claims, although serious, were thankfully unfounded, but he now faces considerable consequences for his unusual approach to a simple traffic stop.

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