Greenville Traffic Chaos from Bomb Threat Incident

News Summary

A traffic stop in Greenville, South Carolina escalated into a major incident when a driver claimed to have an explosive device in his vehicle. This led to the closure of I-85 for several hours as law enforcement, including the bomb squad and SWAT teams, responded to ensure safety. Commuters faced significant delays, with traffic ground to a halt. The situation concluded safely, revealing no explosives, but one individual was taken into custody for making false claims and other charges. Precautionary detours were advised for the public during the chaos.

Greenville, South Carolina Faces Major Traffic Snarl Due to Bomb Threat

What started as a routine traffic stop turned into a major incident that left commuters in Greenville, South Carolina, caught in a web of delays on Thursday afternoon. The excitement began to unfold around 2:45 p.m. when a South Carolina Transport Police officer flagged down a tractor-trailer for a missing license plate. Little did anyone know that the situation would escalate dramatically.

A Startling Claim

During the traffic stop, things took a serious turn when the driver made a shocking claim: he said there was an explosive device in his vehicle. This startling announcement put local law enforcement and the community on high alert, leading to immediate action. In the blink of an eye, all lanes on the busy I-85 were shut down as safety took priority.

The Bomb Squad to the Rescue

As traffic ground to a halt, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s bomb squad swung into action. They quickly arrived on the scene to investigate the driver’s serious claim. The closure lasted for several hours, blocking traffic from Exit 42 (I-185) to Exit 46 (Augusta Road) in Greenville County. It was a frustrating time for commuters who were trying to make their way home after a long day, with many stuck in gridlock for over four hours.

Response Team Mobilized

The situation intensified with the involvement of SWAT and bomb team members, who joined local law enforcement along with agents from the FBI and SLED. Their mission was to ensure the area was safe. For a brief moment, what might have seemed like a hazardous materials spill was reported but officials later clarified that it was an automated system error. A sigh of relief was in order, but not before major disruptions to the daily commute.

Finally, Good News

At approximately 7:40 p.m., after thorough investigations yielded no explosives, I-85 was finally reopened. The relief of having traffic flow unimpeded once again was welcomed by many who had experienced the frustrating delays. As officers cleared the scene, they took 28-year-old Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi of Oak Lawn, Illinois, into custody. He was not only charged with breach of peace of a high and aggravated nature, but also for conveying false information regarding a bomb threat and operating an unregistered vehicle.

Detours and Precautionary Measures

In light of the bomb threat, authorities advised the public to steer clear of the area. Alternate routes were made available for those needing to navigate around the traffic nightmare. The closures and detours were precautionary measures, with South Carolina’s Governor also weighing in through social media, stressing the need for monitoring until the area was completely cleared.

Aftermath

With this incident making headlines, one can’t help but wonder what led to such drastic claims. The truck, registered to Globe Transportation in Illinois, raised eyebrows as the investigation continued. Thankfully, no real danger was found, and while the day was lost for many afternoon commuters caught in the chaotic scene, the quick response from local authorities ensured everyone was safe.

As the dust settles in Greenville, everyone can now return to their usual routines, while also keeping a watchful eye on the unexpected turns that can pop up in our everyday lives.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• WSAZ
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• Google Scholar: Bomb Threats Traffic Incidents
• Greenville Online
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bomb Threat
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