I-85 Bomb Threat Prompts Highway Closure Near Greenville, SC
A routine traffic stop escalated into a bomb threat Thursday afternoon, forcing the closure of all lanes on I-85 near Greenville, South Carolina, for several hours, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (DPS).
At approximately 2:45 p.m., South Carolina State Transport Police stopped a tractor-trailer near mile marker 44 for missing a license plate. During the stop, the driver allegedly claimed there was an explosive device inside the vehicle.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office SWAT and Bomb squads, responded immediately. The highway near Exit 44 at White Horse Road was completely shut down to ensure public safety as the situation was investigated.
The closure caused significant delays, with traffic backing up for over four hours.
By 7:40 p.m., officials confirmed no explosive devices were found, and the highway was reopened.
The driver, identified as Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi, was taken into custody and faces multiple charges, including:
- Conveying false information regarding a bomb threat
- Breach of peace of a high and aggravated nature
- Operating an unregistered vehicle
Alhendi appeared before a judge on Friday and was issued a total surety bond of $20,238 for all charges.
The incident prompted a coordinated response from multiple agencies, including the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the FBI, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. Their efforts ensured public safety and the swift resolution of the threat.
South Carolina Senator Karl Allen, representing Senate District 7, issued a statement:
“The state agencies involved include SCDOT, SLED, and State Transport Police with support from the Greenville County Sheriff’s SWAT/Bomb Squad and the FBI. I have asked that, due to this being an active scene, we ensure a wide perimeter to protect all citizens who live in Senate District 7. Until further information is available, we will continue to monitor this situation with the SCHP.”
While no explosive device was discovered, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the effectiveness of rapid law enforcement responses.
