News Summary
A significant disruption occurred on Interstate 85 in South Carolina due to a bomb threat during a traffic stop. The driver claimed an explosive device was in his vehicle, prompting law enforcement to close the highway for several hours while an investigation was conducted. Authorities confirmed no explosives were found, and the driver was arrested. This incident highlights ongoing security concerns on highways as officials urge vigilance among the public.
South Carolina experienced a significant disruption on Thursday, January 2, 2025, when a bomb threat prompted the lengthy closure of a section of Interstate 85 in Greenville County. The incident began around 2:45 p.m. during a routine traffic stop conducted by the South Carolina State Transport Police.
The police stopped a tractor-trailer near mile marker 44 due to a missing license plate. During the stop, the driver, identified as 28-year-old Jamal Khamees Alhendi from Oak Lawn, Illinois, made a startling claim: he stated that there was an explosive device inside the vehicle. This allegation led to an immediate and serious response from law enforcement agencies.
Initially, the situation was inaccurately perceived as a hazardous materials spill by the South Carolina Department of Transportation. However, by 4 p.m., I-85 was officially closed in both directions between Exit 42 (I-185) and Exit 46 (Augusta Road) as authorities worked to assess the threat. All traffic was blocked from Whitehorse Road onto I-85 during the investigation, prompting significant delays for motorists.
In response to the bomb threat, Governor Henry McMaster confirmed the nature of the closure. The South Carolina State Transport Police called for additional support, prompting the deployment of the Greenville County SWAT team and bomb squad units. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s bomb squad along with representatives from the FBI were also on-site to assist in the investigation.
Traffic on I-85 was halted for several hours, with detours implemented and motorists advised to avoid the surrounding area. As law enforcement officials worked diligently to address the threat, the FBI confirmed their involvement in the investigation at around 6:50 p.m. Law enforcement continued to evaluate the situation to ensure public safety.
By 7:30 p.m., the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office declared the scene safe, indicating that no explosive devices had been found within the tractor-trailer. Consequently, I-85 was reopened around 7:40 p.m., much to the relief of affected drivers and commuters.
Following the incident, Alhendi was taken into custody without incident and is now facing serious charges including providing false information regarding a bomb threat and breach of peace. The tractor-trailer he was driving was registered to Globe Transportation, a company based in Illinois. Globe Transportation has publicly stated that Alhendi complied with all Department of Transportation regulations and noted that the only reason for the traffic stop was due to the missing license plate.
Alhendi, who entered the United States legally in September 2018, is currently under an immigration detainer as he faces pending removal proceedings. The incident has raised security concerns, with officials noting that heightened vigilance may have been influenced by previous events, such as a tragic incident in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve.
This unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and security on the nation’s highways. As law enforcement continues to address the consequences of such threats, the community is urged to remain alert and to promptly report any suspicious activities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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