October 4, 2025

Master Sgt. William Squires Fired After Gunpoint Incident

Hilton Head Island, October 4, 2025

News Summary

Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires was dismissed from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office after he held four teenage boys at gunpoint while off-duty. The incident occurred on Hilton Head Island, and details emerged following a viral video. Sheriff P.J. Tanner noted Squires had consumed alcohol prior to the confrontation, and both internal and external investigations are underway. The community is encouraged to come forward with any information regarding the event to ensure accountability in law enforcement.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires was fired from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) following an alarming incident where he held four teenage boys at gunpoint while off-duty on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2023. The firing occurred at 9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, after details of the confrontation emerged.

During the encounter, which took place on Squiresgate Road on Hilton Head Island, Squires, dressed in civilian clothing consisting of a dark shirt, shorts, and slip-on shoes, confronted the boys while on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). He was with a civilian who possessed an open alcohol container. After questioning the boys, Squires returned to the scene wearing a tactical BCSO vest and brandishing his service weapon.

A viral video captured Squires yelling at the boys, demanding they get on the ground while threatening to shoot them. The terrified minors screamed for help and were confused about their actions that led to such a response. Following the incident, a disturbance report prompted BCSO to respond at approximately 6:47 p.m., where officers became involved.

In light of the alarming nature of the incident, Sheriff P.J. Tanner announced that Squires had consumed alcohol prior to the confrontation and stated that he was suspended without pay while being relieved of his credentials, badge, and issued weapons immediately after the event. The BCSO has also requested the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy to revoke Squires’ state law enforcement certification.

At this moment, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is conducting an investigation that seeks to identify potential criminal violations in Squires’ actions. An internal administrative inquiry is also underway by the BCSO, which will involve interviewing multiple individuals and analyzing evidence. The findings will be submitted to the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office to determine if any criminal charges should be filed against Squires.

The families of the boys involved, who are minors and will not be named, have expressed shock and concern regarding the lasting impact of the incident. Community members are being encouraged to submit any related information or evidence relevant to the situation to the designated Internal Affairs Investigator.

Background Context

Events such as this raise significant concerns about the conduct of law enforcement officials, especially when they involve interactions with minors. The incident highlights issues surrounding the use of force and accountability among police officers, particularly during off-duty hours. The BCSO is working towards ensuring a thorough investigation to uphold standards of practice within law enforcement in Beaufort County.

Key Points

Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires fired from BCSO
Incident occurred on Sept. 28, 2023, on Squiresgate Road
Squires approached minors on an ATV and returned armed
Alcohol consumption noted prior to the incident
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy to potentially revoke certification
SLED investigating potential criminal violations
Community encouraged to provide information

Community Impact

The event has understandably shaken the local community, particularly the families of the boys involved. Concerns about the appropriateness of Squires’ actions and the implications for police-community relations continue to be discussed openly. The BCSO has committed to transparency as it navigates this serious situation, reinforcing the need for accountability in law enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires?

Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires was fired from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) at 9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, 2023.

What did Squires do while off-duty?

Squires held four teenage boys at gunpoint on Sunday, Sept. 28, on Squiresgate Road in Hilton Head Island while off-duty.

What was Squires wearing during the incident?

Squires was dressed in civilian clothes (dark shirt, shorts, and slip-on shoes) but put on a tactical BCSO vest and carried his service weapon.

What did Sheriff P.J. Tanner say about the incident?

During a press conference, Sheriff P.J. Tanner stated that Squires had consumed alcohol before the incident.

Is there an ongoing investigation?

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating for potential criminal violations, and an internal administrative investigation is also ongoing by BCSO.

What are the next steps for Squires?

The BCSO has requested the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy to revoke Squires’ state law enforcement certification.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Deputy Terminated After Gun Incident In Hilton Head
Beaufort Deputy Fired After Pointing Gun at Teenagers
Beaufort County Deputy Fired After Gun Incident
Beaufort County Deputy Terminated for Gun Incident
Beaufort County Deputy Fired After Disturbing Incident

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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