This incident began with a routine traffic stop on Interstate 85 in South Carolina. Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi, a 28-year-old truck driver, was pulled over by state transport police for a missing license plate on his tractor-trailer. However, the situation escalated dramatically when Alhendi allegedly informed the officer that there was an explosive device inside his vehicle. This claim triggered a swift and comprehensive response from law enforcement agencies.
The immediate consequence of Alhendi’s alleged bomb threat was the complete shutdown of all six lanes of I-85 near Mile Marker 44. This closure, implemented to ensure public safety while authorities investigated the threat, caused significant disruption to traffic flow, leading to extensive delays and gridlock. The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the FBI converged on the scene to assess the situation and determine the credibility of the threat. This multi-agency response underscores the seriousness with which such threats are treated, especially given the potential for large-scale harm.
A thorough search of Alhendi’s 18-wheeler was conducted by bomb disposal experts and law enforcement personnel. They meticulously examined the vehicle’s contents, employing specialized equipment and techniques to detect any explosive materials or devices. This process, while necessary, was time-consuming, contributing to the extended highway closure. After several hours of intense investigation, the authorities determined that there was no bomb or explosive device present in the truck. This all-clear allowed for the reopening of I-85, restoring traffic flow after nearly five hours of disruption.
The legal ramifications for Alhendi were swift. Following the incident, he was taken into custody and subsequently appeared in court to face charges stemming from the alleged bomb threat and traffic violation. He was charged with conveying false information about a bomb threat, a serious offense that reflects the disruption and fear caused by such actions. Additionally, he was charged with breach of peace of a high and aggravated nature, highlighting the severity of his alleged behavior and its impact on public order. Finally, he faced a charge for operating a vehicle without a license plate, the initial infraction that led to the traffic stop. A judge set a total surety bond of $20,238 for all three charges.
Alhendi’s legal troubles are further complicated by his immigration status. The Greenville County Detention Center, where he was held, confirmed that an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer had been placed on him. This detainer indicates that ICE is investigating his immigration status and potentially considers him subject to removal from the United States. This adds another layer of complexity to the case, as any legal proceedings related to the bomb threat and traffic violations will likely run concurrently with immigration proceedings.
The incident also brought attention to Alhendi’s employer, Globe Transportation, an Illinois-based trucking company. The company confirmed that Alhendi was indeed one of their drivers, but declined to comment further on the situation, likely due to the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings. The incident raises questions about the company’s hiring practices and background checks, and whether any measures could be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future. The investigation into Alhendi’s alleged actions, immigration status, and employment history remains ongoing, with authorities continuing their efforts to gather information and determine the full scope of the incident.
