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
Author: HERE Greenwood
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.
