The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (DPS) reported that a routine traffic stop escalated into a bomb threat Thursday afternoon, resulting in the closure of all lanes on I-85 near Greenville, South Carolina, for several hours.

At approximately 2:45 p.m., the South Carolina State Transport Police conducted a traffic stop on a tractor-trailer near mile marker 44 on I-85 due to the vehicle’s missing license plate. During the stop, the driver allegedly claimed that an explosive device was inside the commercial vehicle.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office SWAT and Bomb squads, were immediately called to the scene.

The highway, near Exit 44 at White Horse Road, was completely shut down to ensure public safety while investigations were conducted.

The incident caused significant delays, with a traffic backup lasting over four hours.

Crews worked methodically to assess the situation, and by 7:40 p.m., officials determined there were no explosive devices in the vehicle. The highway was reopened, and the area was declared safe for public travel.

The driver of the tractor-trailer was identified as Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi. Following the investigation, Alhendi was taken into custody by the South Carolina State Transport Police.

He is facing 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, where he was issued a total surety bond of $20,238 for all charges.

The response to the incident involved 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 coordinated 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.”

Although no explosive device was found, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the swift response of law enforcement. The coordinated efforts of local, state, and federal agencies ensured the safety of the public while addressing the threat.