Hilton Head Island, October 1, 2025
News Summary
An off-duty deputy from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office was suspended after a video surfaced showing him pointing a firearm at a group of teenagers. The incident took place in Hilton Head Island and has sparked discussions on policing practices and community safety. The deputy involved has been relieved of duty as internal and criminal investigations are underway. Witnesses expressed fear during the encounter, raising concerns regarding the use of excessive force against minors. Community reactions remain divided, reflecting broader issues within law enforcement.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – An off-duty deputy from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has been suspended without pay after a disturbing incident in which he pointed his firearm at a group of teenagers. The incident occurred on September 28, 2025, in the Squiresgate area and was captured in an 84-second video that has since gone viral on social media.
The deputy involved, identified as Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires, has been relieved of his credentials, badge, and weapon following the confrontation. Initial reports of the event were received at approximately 6:47 p.m., prompting immediate attention from law enforcement authorities.
Video footage shows Squires confronting at least four male teens, ordering them to get on the ground while brandishing his firearm. Witnesses, including the person who filmed the incident, expressed shock and fear during the encounter, as one teen pleaded for help and called for their mother. Reports suggest that before the confrontation with the deputy, the boys were approached by an unidentified man on an ATV, who inquired about their residence, leading to a heated exchange.
According to reports, Squires warned the boys that they could be arrested for walking in the neighborhood, despite none of the teens having any ties to the area. Although accusations arose from some neighbors that one of the boys had displayed a gun, law enforcement conducted a search and found no firearms on the teens. The videos circulating online show varying accounts of events leading to the confrontation, fueled by disputes over the teens’ behavior in the neighborhood.
In response to the incident, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office announced that it is conducting an internal investigation, alongside a criminal investigation by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), to evaluate Squires’ actions for potential violations of departmental policies. Family members of the boys involved are considering legal action against the deputy, objecting to what they classify as excessive use of force.
Community reactions to the incident have been mixed. Some residents support the deputy’s actions, citing safety concerns regarding youths in the neighborhood, while others are horrified by the escalation of force used against children. The identities of the minors involved in the incident are being withheld due to their age, and records indicate that Squires, a 19-year veteran of the department, has no previous disciplinary infractions in his personnel file.
This incident has ignited discussions within the Hilton Head Island community regarding safety standards, policing practices, and racial dynamics within law enforcement, following an escalation that many view as excessively forceful. The ramifications of this event may extend beyond the immediate community, raising broader questions about police interactions with youth in neighborhoods nationwide.
Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Occurred | September 28, 2025 |
| Location | Squiresgate area, Hilton Head Island, SC |
| Involved Deputy | Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires |
| Years of Service | 19 years |
| Video Duration | 84 seconds |
| Time of Initial Reports | 6:47 p.m. |
| Firing of Weapon | Yes, at a group of youths |
FAQ
What incident led to the suspension of the deputy?
An off-duty Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office deputy was recorded pointing his weapon at a group of youths in the Squiresgate area of Hilton Head Island.
When did the incident occur?
The incident occurred on September 28, 2025.
Who is the deputy involved?
The deputy involved was identified as Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires, a 19-year veteran of the department.
What is happening regarding the investigations of the incident?
The sheriff’s office announced that they would conduct an internal investigation alongside an investigation by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
What prompted the confrontation?
Prior to the confrontation, the boys were approached by an unidentified man on an ATV, who asked about where they lived, leading to a heated exchange.
What were the community reactions to this incident?
Community reactions are mixed; some neighbors support the actions of the deputy citing safety concerns, while others are horrified by the escalation and use of a firearm against children.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Suspension of Beaufort County Deputy After Confrontation
Off-Duty Deputy Suspended After Threatening Teenagers
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
Hilton Head Island Man Arrested for Violent Assault
Multiple High-Speed Chases in Beaufort Lead to Arrests
Beaufort County Man Caught After High-Speed Police Chase
Registration Open for Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Police Academy
Camden Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Firearm Possession
Additional Resources
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island Deputy Suspended
- Wikipedia: Police Use of Force
- Post and Courier: Beaufort Sheriff Deputy Hilton Head
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island Police Conduct
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Deputy Suspended
- Google Scholar: Police Use of Force
- WTOC: Beaufort Co. Sheriff’s Office Deputy Suspended
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- WYFF: Beaufort County Deputy Suspended for Video Incident
- Google News: Beaufort County Deputy Suspended
- ABC News 4: Beaufort County Deputy Suspended
- Google Search: Policing Practices
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.
