BENNETTSVILLE — A hostage situation in Bennettsville which began early Wednesday afternoon finally ended late Thursday afternoon.
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Brian Brand, has been arrested and the hostage is safe.
Brand, of 265 Brushy Bay Road, Bennettsville, is charged with assault and battery with intent to kill and kidnapping, Bennettsville Police Lt. John Hepburn said.
The 25-year-old hostage managed to escape from him when he fell asleep. She took the gun from him, threw it out of the home and made it out safely.
After negotiating with officers, the suspect surrendered about five minutes after the hostage escaped, Hepburn said.
A woman was shot during the incident, which began about 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at a mobile home on Lawson Street.
Bennettsville Police Chief Larry McNeil said no gunfire was exchanged between the suspect and officers.
Family members of the victims said a man armed with a gun went to the residence, which belongs to his girlfriend’s mother.
They said the mother was able to escape, but the girlfriend still was being forced to stay inside.
The girlfriend’s sister, who also lives in the mobile home was shot, her family members said.
Teddy Hodge, a cousin of the shooting victim, said she was taken for treatment to a Columbia hospital because the bullet is lodged in her ankle. She continues to recover there.
Hodge said the suspect ordered her out of the residence and, as she was leaving, he shot her in the leg.
“He just flipped out,” Hodge said of the suspect.
Investigators had called Hodge to the scene to provide them with the layout of the residence.
Those who live in the area said they’re shocked by the situation on this normally quiet street.
“The people here, they’re calm,” said Regina McDuffie, a Lawson Street resident. “You know, most of them are elderly and they’ve been here ever since I was a little girl and even the girl who’s been held, she’s been raised right there where she’s at.”
The investigation involved several local law enforcement agencies that established a perimeter around the residence.
Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office SWAT deputies also were present. Normally, State Law Enforcement Division SWAT agents are called to these situations, Marlboro County Sheriff Fred Knight said Wednesday, but the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office SWAT deputies were able to respond more quickly.
State Law Enforcement Division agents arrived at the scene Thursday afternoon to assist in the investigation.
— Morning News Staff Writer Jamie Rogers contributed to this report.
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