Traffic Nightmare in Greenville: Bomb Threat Leads to Major I-85 Shutdown

News Summary

Greenville, SC, faced significant traffic disruptions on Thursday due to a bomb threat linked to a tractor-trailer. The interstate was shut down for several hours as law enforcement responded to the driver’s alarming claim. After thorough investigation, no explosives were found, but the driver, Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi, was arrested on multiple charges. Travelers were advised to avoid I-85, and the incident prompted remarks from local officials stressing the importance of public safety amidst the chaos.

Traffic Nightmare in Greenville: Bomb Threat Leads to Major I-85 Shutdown

Greenville, South Carolina, experienced a significant traffic disruption on Thursday afternoon when a bomb threat prompted authorities to close both directions of Interstate 85. The situation unfolded around 2:45 p.m. during a routine traffic stop initiated by a South Carolina State Transport Police officer. The officer noticed a missing license plate on a tractor-trailer, which led to a rather alarming claim from the driver.

Unraveling the Threat

The driver, identified as 28-year-old Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi from Oak Lawn, Illinois, made an eyebrow-raising assertion that there was an explosive device located inside his vehicle. This serious allegation set off a chain reaction involving multiple law enforcement agencies.

In light of the potential danger, all lanes of I-85 were promptly closed between Exit 42 (I-185) and Exit 46 (Augusta Road). The shutdown lasted for several hours as emergency teams rushed to assess the situation. Traffic in the area backed up for miles, leading to lengthy delays for motorists trying to navigate the detour signs.

A Coordinated Response

The response teams were quick to act, with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s bomb squad springing into action, joined by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and even the FBI. Their mission was clear: ensure the safety of the public while investigating Alhendi’s claim.

After a thorough examination, the team was able to confirm that there were no explosive devices found within the tractor-trailer, allowing I-85 to reopen around 7:40 p.m. While the fear of a bomb had been put to rest, the incident had stirred up quite a frenzy in the community.

Legal Consequences for the Driver

In the wake of the bomb scare, Alhendi was arrested at the scene and now faces several charges, which include:

• Breach of peace of a high and aggravated nature
• Conveying false information about a bomb threat
• Operating or permitting an unregistered vehicle

His truck, registered to Globe Transportation in Illinois, now stands as a stark reminder of the chaos that unfolded on Thursday. Notably, Alhendi also has a pending arrest warrant from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), adding a potential layer of complication to his already troubling situation.

Government Response and Communication

The incident caught the attention of various local officials, including South Carolina’s Governor, who noted that the interstate was closed “out of an abundance of caution.” This careful approach was informed by the serious nature of the threat while ensuring public safety remained the top priority.

It should be mentioned that reports initially came in labeling the event as a hazardous materials spill, but this was later determined to be a mix-up due to an automated system error.

Advice for Motorists

Travelers in the area were advised to avoid I-85 during the investigation. Traffic organizers put detour plans into action to help ease the backlog and direct motorists away from the problematic zones.

Despite the chaos, the situation has been resolved without any actual threat reported, allowing life in Greenville to return to normal. However, the ripple effects of this bomb threat will likely be felt for some time to come, as many will be left wondering how a casual drive could turn into such a tense situation.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• WSAZ: Bomb Threat Shuts Down Lanes of I-85
• Wikipedia: Bomb Threat
• WLOS: Bomb Threat Closes Part of I-85
• Google Search: Bomb Threat I-85 Greenville
• Greenville Online: Parts of I-85 Shut Down
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bomb
• WACH: Bomb Threat Forces Closure of I-85