James Seidel 
Shootout
Shootout and a 12-Hour Standoff: Central, SC Man Arrested After Violent Clash with Law Enforcement
By James Seidel | CC News Network | Crime & Cask Investigations
CENTRAL, S.C. — A tense and chaotic shootout unfolded in Pickens County this weekend after a wanted man opened fire on deputies like a scene from the movie Heat, triggering a 12-hour standoff that drew in multiple law enforcement agencies, endangered civilians, and left police vehicles riddled with bullet holes.
Authorities confirmed that James Franklin Marchbanks, of 211 Nuthatch Road in Central, is now in custody and facing a slew of serious charges after a failed attempt to serve an arrest warrant turned into a shootout.
Shootout Began as Deputies Approach
It all began just before 4 p.m. on Friday when Pickens County deputies, joined by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, arrived at Marchbanks’ residence to execute a warrant. Deputies initially attempted to negotiate a peaceful surrender, but according to the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, Marchbanks responded by opening fire, targeting officers in a shootout as they sought cover behind patrol vehicles.
“Several law enforcement vehicles were hit and severely damaged during the exchange,” the release stated.
Tactical Response and Hostage Situation in Shootout
What followed was a full-scale tactical response. The Pickens County SWAT team, backed by resources from SLED, the Easley Police Department, and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, descended on the area. Law enforcement quickly discovered that multiple adults were inside the home with Marchbanks—and were reportedly being held against their will.
This development elevated the situation into a hostage crisis, prolonging the standoff and requiring intense coordination from local and state tactical units.
⏱️ 12-Hour Shootout Ends Before Dawn
After nearly 12 hours of negotiations, gunfire, and high-stakes coordination, the standoff ended just before 4 a.m. Saturday morning. At approximately 3:59 a.m., Marchbanks surrendered peacefully, and authorities confirmed that no civilians inside the home were harmed.
Charges Filed and No Bond Set
Marchbanks is now being held at the Pickens County Detention Center without bond. As of Sunday, he faces:
8 counts of attempted murder
3 counts of kidnapping
1 count of possession of a weapon during a violent crime
1 count of resisting arrest with a deadly weapon
No injuries were reported among law enforcement or the individuals held in the home, a remarkable outcome given the scale of the violence and duration of the incident.
Background Under Review
Officials have not yet released the details of the original charges that led to the warrant. CC News is working to uncover Marchbanks’ criminal history, mental health background, and possible motive behind the attack and hostage situation.
This story is developing.
James Seidel is the lead investigative reporter for CC News Network. Follow Crime and Cask on all platforms for real-time updates on South Carolina’s most dangerous cases.
Tips or footage? Email: jim@crimeandcask.com
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