A routine traffic stop in South Carolina turned into a five-hour interstate shutdown after a truck driver claimed he had a bomb in his vehicle.
At a Glance
- Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi, 28, was arrested for making a false bomb threat during a traffic stop
- Interstate 85 in Greenville County was closed for about five hours due to the threat
- No explosives were found after an extensive search by local and federal authorities
- Alhendi faces multiple charges and is being held on an ICE detainer
- The incident highlights concerns about immigration enforcement and transportation security
Traffic Stop Escalates to Major Security Threat
On January 2, 2025, a seemingly routine traffic stop on Interstate 85 in Greenville County, South Carolina, quickly escalated into a significant security threat. Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi, a 28-year-old truck driver from Oak Lawn, Illinois, was pulled over by a South Carolina State Transport Police officer for driving a tractor-trailer without a license plate on the trailer.
What began as a simple traffic violation took a dramatic turn when Alhendi allegedly claimed to have an explosive device in his vehicle. This declaration set off a chain of events that would disrupt traffic and mobilize multiple law enforcement agencies for hours.
**Update on I-85 Incident in Greenville**
On January 2, 2025, at approximately 2:45 p.m., a SC State Transport Police officer initiated a traffic stop on a tractor-trailer on Interstate 85 in Greenville County, due to a missing license plate on the trailer.
During the traffic…
— SCDPS (@theSCDPS) January 3, 2025
Massive Response and Highway Closure
The bomb threat prompted authorities to shut down all six lanes of Interstate 85 near Mile Marker 44. The closure, which lasted approximately five hours, caused significant traffic delays and disruption in the area. Local law enforcement, including the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, along with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the FBI, were called to the scene to investigate the threat.
“We are working in conjunction with the State Transport Police after a threat of a potential hazardous device was reported. We are working diligently to ensure the scene is safe and get traffic moving as quick as possible,” Lt. Ryan Flood said.
The extensive search operation involved meticulous inspection of Alhendi’s vehicle. After hours of careful examination, authorities determined that no explosive devices were present, and the threat was deemed false. The highway was finally reopened to traffic at approximately 7:40 p.m., much to the relief of stranded motorists and concerned residents.
Arrest and Charges
Following the incident, Alhendi was taken into custody without resistance. He now faces multiple charges, including breach of peace, conveying false information about a bomb threat, and driving without a vehicle license. The severity of these charges reflects the significant public disruption and resources expended due to the false threat.
“The officer asked the individual, ‘Do you have anything illegal in here? Like marijuana? Cocaine?’ And Alhendi said, ‘I have a small bomb,’ and then, she said, ‘What?’ And then he said, ‘I have a small bomb.’ This is on her body camera and in-car camera,” 13th Circuit Solicitor Walt Wilkins said.
Adding to Alhendi’s legal troubles, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) placed a detainer on him. This action suggests potential immigration-related issues that will need to be addressed alongside the criminal charges. Alhendi’s bond was set at $20,238, but due to the ICE detainer, he remains in custody at the Greenville County Detention Center.
Immigration Status and Employment Questions
The incident has raised questions about Alhendi’s immigration status and employment history. ICE revealed that Alhendi had entered the United States legally in 2018 but failed to comply with the terms of his legal admittance. He is currently scheduled for an immigration hearing in 2026, adding another layer of complexity to his legal situation.
“The motor vehicle (truck) in question is fully registered and in compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. The trailer is likewise registered and meets DOT standards. The only issue at hand was that the driver lost the trailer license plate while driving, which led to him being pulled over by a police officer. This was the sole reason for the stop,” Globe Transportation said.
Globe Transportation, Alhendi’s employer, has emphasized their commitment to safety and compliance, refuting any claims of hiring unqualified drivers. They stated that Alhendi is an owner-operator with a valid Commercial Driver’s License and a clean driving record. The company also clarified that the truck was compliant with DOT regulations and that the stop was solely due to a lost trailer license plate.
