Traffic Stop Leads to Bomb Threat Fiasco

(DailyVantage.com) – A routine traffic stop on Interstate 85 in South Carolina spiraled into chaos, leading to hours of disruption and a full-scale investigation involving the FBI.

At a Glance

Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi was charged after a bomb threat in South Carolina.
Interstate 85 in Greenville County was shut down for approximately five hours.
Authorities, including the FBI, found no explosives after a thorough investigation.
Alhendi remains in custody with charges including providing false information about a bomb.

Start of the Incident

On January 2, 2025, Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi was pulled over on Interstate 85 due to a missing license plate. During the stop, Alhendi reportedly told the officer he had a bomb in his vehicle. This prompted a rapid response from local and federal authorities, shutting down a major section of the highway for hours while the claim was investigated.

Traffic on Interstate 85 was halted entirely, causing significant disruptions. The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, along with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the FBI, were called to the scene to handle the potential threat.
Following an exhaustive search, no explosives were discovered, and the highway was reopened around 7:40 p.m.

**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

Legal Implications and Charges

Alhendi faces multiple charges, including breach of peace, providing false information regarding a bomb threat, and unlicensed driving. His background with existing immigration proceedings further complicates the scenario. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed a detainer on him following the incident, and his bond is set at $20,238.

“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

Despite the serious charges, it is noted that Alhendi holds a valid Commercial Driver’s License and a clean driving record. Globe Transportation, Alhendi’s employer, has emphasized their commitment to safety and compliance, countering any suggestions of negligence.

A routine traffic stop by transport police led to an investigation into a bomb threat along Interstate 85 in South Carolina. ⬇️
https://t.co/glTojFQ01w

— KALB News Channel 5 (@KALBtv5) January 3, 2025

Community Impact and Response

The bomb threat and subsequent highway shutdown caused significant local disruptions. This event and similar incidents could have lasting repercussions on public perception and policy regarding highway safety and immigration enforcement.

Transportation officials have reiterated their commitment to ensuring thorough and effective responses to any potential threats.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that such disruptions are minimized in the future. The aftermath of this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and readiness on our nation’s highways.