October 1, 2025

Off-Duty Deputy Suspended After Threatening Teenagers

Hilton Head Island, October 1, 2025

News Summary

An off-duty Beaufort County sheriff’s deputy faced suspension after a video showed him pointing a firearm at a group of teenagers in Hilton Head Island. The incident escalated when the deputy ordered the teens to the ground during a disturbance. Following the altercation, where he threatened one teen, the deputy was suspended without pay and has had his credentials stripped. Investigations are ongoing by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and Internal Affairs.

Hilton Head Island

An off-duty Beaufort County sheriff’s deputy has been suspended after a video incident involving teenagers in the Squiresgate neighborhood of Hilton Head Island. The incident took place on Sunday, September 28th, 2025, at approximately 6:47 p.m., following reports of a disturbance in the area.

According to the authorities, the off-duty deputy, who resides in the same community, was seen in video footage shared on social media approaching a group of teenagers while pointing a firearm at them. During the encounter, the deputy commanded the teenagers to lie on the ground. One teenager shouted for someone to “Call the police!” to which the deputy responded by asserting, “I am the police!”

The situation escalated into a physical altercation when one of the teenagers pushed the deputy away from another teen. In response, the deputy aimed his firearm at the teenager who intervened and threatened to shoot. Throughout the confrontation, a teenager could be heard screaming and calling for his mother.

Following the incident, the deputy was suspended without pay and stripped of his credentials, badge, and all law enforcement-issued weapons and equipment. In light of the severity of the situation, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been called to investigate potential criminal violations, while the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an Internal Affairs Investigation.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that deputies are held to a higher standard and are expected to adhere to all policies and procedures, both in and out of duty. The internal investigation may take time, as it involves interviewing multiple witnesses. Results from the SLED investigation will subsequently be sent to the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office for further review regarding any potential charges against the deputy.

The identity of the deputy involved in the incident will be released at a future date. The sheriff’s office has also sought additional information or video evidence from the public to assist with the ongoing investigations, particularly from potential witnesses who may have been present at the scene. Law enforcement remained on-site until approximately 10 or 11 p.m. following the incident. Families involved in the incident have declined to provide comments for legal reasons.

Background Context

This incident raises significant concerns regarding law enforcement conduct, particularly in off-duty situations. The protocol dictates that deputies must maintain professionalism and appropriate behavior regardless of their off-duty status. The outcome of both the SLED investigation and the Internal Affairs Inquiry will likely inform future policies regarding officers’ conduct outside of their official duties.

Key Facts Recap

Incident Date: September 28th, 2025
Location: Squiresgate neighborhood, Hilton Head Island
Key Actions: Deputy pointed firearm at teenagers, ordered them to the ground
Deputy Status: Suspended without pay and stripped of law enforcement credentials
Investigations: SLED and Internal Affairs investigations initiated

FAQ

What happened in the Hilton Head Island incident?

An off-duty Beaufort County sheriff’s deputy pointed a firearm at a group of teenagers and ordered them to get on the ground.

When did the incident occur?

The incident occurred on Sunday, September 28th, 2025, around 6:47 p.m.

What actions have been taken against the deputy involved?

The deputy was suspended without pay and stripped of his credentials, badge, and all law enforcement-issued weapons and equipment.

What investigations are ongoing regarding this incident?

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been called to investigate the incident for potential criminal violations, and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an Internal Affairs Investigation.

Will the deputy’s identity be disclosed?

The deputy’s identity will be released at a future date.

What is being requested from the public?

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has requested any additional information or video evidence from the public to assist with the investigations.

Are the involved families providing comments?

No, the families involved in the incident have declined to comment for legal reasons.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Investigation Launched After Off-Duty Deputy’s Confrontation with Teenagers
Safety Concerns Surge at Beaufort’s Cross Creek Shopping Plaza
Internal Investigation Launched After Deputy Draws Gun on Teens
Community Outrage in Hilton Head Island Over Sheriff Deputy’s Confrontation with Teens
Off-Duty Deputy Suspended for Gun Incident with Teenagers
Beaufort County Deputy Suspended After Gun Incident
Deputy Suspended After Confrontation with Teens
Beaufort County Issues Rip Current Warning Ahead of Tropical Storm
First Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest Discovered early in South Carolina
Tragic Accident Claims Life of Wrecker Service Employee

Additional Resources

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.

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.

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