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Illinois Man Arrested for Bomb Threat on I-85

News Summary

An Illinois man was arrested after making a bomb threat during a traffic stop on Interstate 85 near Greenville. Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi claimed there was an explosive device in his tractor-trailer, prompting law enforcement to close the interstate in both directions and investigate. The situation caused significant traffic delays before it was confirmed that no explosives were found. Alhendi faces multiple charges, including conveying false information about a bomb threat.

South Carolina – An Illinois man was arrested for allegedly making a bomb threat that led to the shutdown of Interstate 85 in both directions near Greenville on January 2, 2025. The incident unfolded during a traffic stop initiated by a South Carolina State Transport Police officer around 2:45 p.m. due to a missing license plate on a tractor-trailer.

The driver, identified as 28-year-old Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi from Oak Lawn, Illinois, reportedly claimed there was an explosive device in his vehicle. In response to the threat, law enforcement closed all six lanes of I-85 while conducting a thorough investigation to ensure public safety. The shutdown resulted in significant traffic delays, stranding commuters for hours as authorities worked to address the situation.

Several law enforcement agencies participated in the response, including the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI. The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported that traffic on I-85 was blocked between Exit 42 (I-185) and Exit 46 (Augusta Road), causing detours to be arranged. Drivers were advised to avoid the area as the streets were congested due to the ongoing investigation.

After an extensive examination of the vehicle, investigators concluded that no explosive devices were found. The interstate reopened at approximately 7:40 p.m., and the situation was declared safe. Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi was taken into custody without incident and now faces multiple charges, including breach of peace of a high and aggravated nature and conveying false information about a bomb threat. Additionally, he was charged with operating or permitting an unregistered vehicle, as the tractor-trailer he was driving was registered to Globe Transportation in Illinois.

During the incident, Governor Henry McMaster confirmed the closure of I-85 and expressed appreciation for the rapid response from law enforcement agencies. Initially, the South Carolina Department of Transportation reported the situation as a hazardous materials spill, but later clarified that the issue was related to the bomb threat.

This event demonstrates the high level of readiness and cooperation among multiple law enforcement agencies in response to potential threats. Safety protocols were rigorously followed to ensure that the public remained out of harm’s way throughout the investigation.

In the aftermath of the arrest, law enforcement officials continue to stress the importance of reporting any suspicious activities. The swift actions taken during this incident highlight the commitment of authorities to maintaining public safety.

As I-85 resumed normal operations, commuters were able to get back on track, although the event served as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the seriousness of making threats that can disrupt communities and put lives at risk.