Hilton Head Island, October 1, 2025
News Summary
A Beaufort County deputy has been suspended following the emergence of a video showing him pointing a firearm at juveniles in Hilton Head Island. The incident, which occurred in a local neighborhood, involved the deputy brandishing a gun and threatening the teens. The sheriff’s office has initiated an internal and criminal investigation amid public outrage over the excessive use of force. Community members have expressed mixed reactions, while families of the affected minors are considering legal action.
Hilton Head Island
An unidentified deputy with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has been suspended after a disturbing Facebook video surfaced showing him pointing a firearm at juveniles while off duty. The incident took place on September 28, 2025, around 6:47 p.m. in the Squiresgate neighborhood of Hilton Head Island.
The 90-second video reveals a heavyset deputy brandishing a gun and demanding that two young people get on the ground. The deputy was dressed in a BCSO vest, a black shirt, white shorts, and slip-on shoes. The footage captures the officer shouting commands, such as “Get on the ground!” and “Come here!” while forcing the teens onto their knees and attempting to take a backpack from them. A third juvenile attempted to intervene, prompting the deputy to threaten, “I will shoot you,” while waving the firearm at him.
Throughout the video, the terrified cries of the teens can be heard, particularly one who pleaded for his mother and called for help five times. The confrontation reportedly stemmed from prior interactions between the teens and an ATV driver who had asked them where they lived and was subsequently accused of being drunk. After this incident, the deputy, who is a resident of the neighborhood, arrived in a white pickup truck warning the boys that they did not belong there and asked if they wanted to be arrested.
In response to this alarming incident, the deputy was suspended without pay and stripped of his credentials, badge, and service weapons. The BCSO is now conducting an internal investigation, which is being supplemented by a criminal investigation from the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED). BCSO officials have stated that deputies are expected to adhere to higher standards and must comply with all departmental policies and procedures, both on and off duty.
As the situation unfolds, authorities are encouraging anyone with relevant information or videos related to the incident to contact BCSO’s Internal Affairs investigator. Witnesses from the neighborhood have indicated that there have been ongoing concerns related to teens causing trouble in the area, which some claim might provide a justification for the deputy’s actions. However, many community members have expressed outrage at the excessive use of force against minors.
An 84-second video featuring the deputy brandishing his gun has gone viral, increasing public scrutiny regarding the policing of minors. While the sheriff’s office has confirmed that the deputy will remain unnamed pending investigations, the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office is set to review SLED’s findings to determine whether criminal charges against the deputy are warranted. Families of the teens involved are reportedly considering legal action, asserting that no firearms were discovered on the minors despite claims from some community members suggesting otherwise.
The incident has generated significant concern regarding racial dynamics, as the minors involved represent diverse backgrounds, while opinions vary on whether the deputy’s actions were seen as excessive and racially charged.
FAQ
What triggered the incident involving the Beaufort County deputy?
The incident was initiated after prior interactions between the teens and a man on an ATV, who asked them where they lived and was subsequently accused of being drunk.
What happened in the video that went viral?
The 90-second video shows the deputy demanding that two young people get on the ground while brandishing a gun and threatening them, leading to cries for help from the teens.
What actions have been taken against the deputy?
The deputy has been suspended without pay, stripped of his credentials, badge, and service weapons, while both internal and criminal investigations are ongoing.
Have any legal actions been initiated by the families of the teens?
Yes, families of the teens are considering legal action, asserting that no firearms were found on the minors despite claims to the contrary.
Is there any oversight on the deputy’s actions?
The 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office will review the findings from the State Law Enforcement Division to determine the appropriateness of criminal charges against the deputy.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | September 28, 2025 |
| Location | Squiresgate neighborhood, Hilton Head Island |
| Deputy Status | Suspended without pay, name withheld |
| Investigation Types | Internal and criminal investigation by SLED |
| Community Reaction | Mixed; concerns over youth behavior and excessive use of force |
| Legal Actions | Families considering action against the deputy |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Deputy Suspended After Pointing Firearm at Teenagers
Suspension of Beaufort County Deputy After Confrontation
Off-Duty Deputy Suspended After Threatening Teenagers
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
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 Office deputy suspended
- Post and Courier: Beaufort Sheriff Deputy Gun Teens
- Google Scholar: Law Enforcement Conduct
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Deputy Suspended
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Policing
- WYFF4: Beaufort County Deputy Suspended
- Google News: Hilton Head Island deputy suspended
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.
