A suspected illegal immigrant named Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi was arrested in South Carolina after making a fake bomb threat during a traffic stop, leading to a section of Interstate 85 being shut down for nearly five hours. Alhendi was stopped by state transport police for having a missing license plate on his tractor-trailer. He informed the police that there was an explosive device inside the commercial vehicle. As a result, all six lanes of I-85 were closed while authorities investigated the threat. The shutdown caused long delays and bumper-to-bumper traffic, but the 18-wheeler was eventually cleared, and all lanes were reopened around 7:40 p.m.
Following the incident, Alhendi appeared in court and was charged with conveying false information about a bomb threat, breach of peace of high and aggravated nature, and not having a vehicle license. He was given a total surety bond of $20,238 for all three charges and was sent to the Greenville County Detention Center. Alhendi was also placed on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer as a potential illegal immigrant who could be removed from the country. The tractor-trailer involved in the incident is registered with Globe Transportation in Illinois, and a spokesperson for the company confirmed that Alhendi works for them.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fake bomb threat and the arrest of Alhendi. The South Carolina Dept. of Public Safety (SCDPS) worked alongside the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the FBI during the investigation. The FBI has been contacted for more information on Alhendi and the incident. Alhendi’s arrest has raised concerns about potential security threats and the impact of false bomb threats on public safety. The incident caused significant disruption to traffic on Interstate 85, highlighting the importance of swift and thorough response to potential threats.
The swift response of law enforcement agencies and the successful resolution of the incident demonstrate the importance of preparedness and collaboration in dealing with potential security threats. The authorities involved in the investigation, including the SCDPS, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, SLED, and the FBI, worked together to ensure the safety of the public and to resolve the situation swiftly. The arrest of Alhendi also highlights the ongoing challenges of illegal immigration and the need for effective enforcement measures. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks posed by individuals who make false bomb threats and the serious consequences of such actions.
