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
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Author: HERE Greenwood
GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
