Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, October 1, 2025
News Summary
An off-duty sheriff’s deputy in Hilton Head Island has been suspended following an incident in which he drew his weapon on three teenagers. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is conducting an investigation into the episode, which has unsettled residents in the Squiresgate community. Community feelings of safety have decreased, with families turning to alarm systems. The 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office will also review the case for potential criminal charges against the deputy involved.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – An off-duty sheriff’s deputy has been suspended without pay following an incident in which he drew his gun on a group of teenagers in the Squiresgate community. The deputy has been relieved of his badge, weapons, and all department-issued equipment while the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigates the matter.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening at about 6:47 p.m., when deputies responded to calls regarding a disturbance. A video that has circulated on social media shows the deputy pointing a gun at three 14-year-old boys. While the details leading to the encounter remain unclear, reports indicate that the deputy struggled physically with the teens and attempted to confiscate a backpack from one of them. The situation escalated when there were accusations that one of the boys was in possession of a gun, raising alarm among neighbors.
The 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office’s Public Integrity Unit will review the case for potential criminal charges after SLED completes its investigation. Additionally, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an internal investigation to determine if any administrative violations occurred. The deputy involved in the episode has not been publicly named, although the sheriff’s office has stated that his identity will be revealed at a later date.
Residents of the Squiresgate community, typically known for its quiet atmosphere, have expressed feelings of unease following the incident. Some of them have reported that they feel less safe after viewing the video of the confrontation. In response to their concerns, several families have begun installing alarm systems in their homes. Neighbors have noted ongoing issues with theft and expressed worries about teenagers gathering in the area.
The families of the teenagers involved in the incident are currently consulting with attorneys as they consider legal action. Notably, the deputy’s personnel file indicates he has no prior disciplinary infractions since joining the sheriff’s office in 2006, raising questions about community safety, policing, and the appropriateness of using force against minors during confrontations.
Witnesses in the neighborhood have provided differing accounts regarding whether the actions taken by the deputy were justified. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has requested any additional information or videos from the public to further assist in their investigations.
This incident has triggered significant discussions in the community surrounding safety protocols, the role of law enforcement, and the treatment of minors, as local officials navigate the implications of the encounter while emphasizing the importance of community safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Squiresgate community?
An off-duty sheriff’s deputy drew his gun on a group of teenagers, leading to his suspension without pay and ongoing investigations.
Who is investigating the incident?
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating the incident while the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office conducts an internal investigation.
What actions have been taken against the deputy involved?
The deputy has been suspended without pay, relieved of his badge and weapons, and all department-issued equipment has been confiscated.
What are the community’s concerns following the incident?
Residents are feeling uneasy and unsafe, with some instituting alarm systems due to increased fear for their safety.
What is being done about potential criminal charges?
The 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office’s Public Integrity Unit will review the case for possible criminal charges after SLED concludes its investigation.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Squiresgate community, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina |
| Date and Time | Sunday evening, around 6:47 p.m. |
| Subjects Involved | An off-duty sheriff’s deputy and three 14-year-old boys |
| Response from Authorities | SLED and Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office conducted investigations |
| Community Reaction | Increased concerns about safety, some residents installing alarm systems |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island Deputy Suspended
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- WTOC: Beaufort Co. Sheriff’s Office Deputy Suspended
- Google Search: Beaufort County Sheriff Deputy Suspended
- Island Packet: Deputy Suspended Following Incident
- Google Scholar: Law Enforcement Use of Force
- WSAV: BCSO Releases Statement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Policing
- WYFF: Beaufort County Deputy Suspended
- Google News: Beaufort County Police Incident
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
