A Bennettsville man who police said held a woman hostage in a Bennettsville home for more than 24 hours has been indicted on federal gun charges, U.S. Attorney Walter Wilkins said in a press release issued Wednesday.
Brian Sentell Brand, 29, of Bennettsville was charged in the indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, according to the release.
Brand is charged with assault and battery with intent to kill and kidnapping in connection with a Lawson Street stand off that began on the afternoon of Dec. 10.
Family members of the victims said a man armed with a gun went to the residence, which belongs to the suspect’s ex-girlfriend’s mother.
They said the mother was able to escape, but the ex-girlfriend was forced to stay inside.
The ex-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.
Hodge said the suspect ordered her out of the residence and as she was leaving, he shot her in the leg.
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.
Bennettsville Police Chief Larry McNeil said no gunfire was exchanged between the suspect and officers.
The case was investigating by the Bennettsville Police Department the Marlboro County Sheriff’s office, the Chesterfield County Sheirff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Explosives.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rose Mary Parham of the Florence office as a part of Project Cease Fire, an initiative of the U.S. Attorney’s office that targets gun crimes.
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