Hilton Head Island, October 4, 2025
News Summary
A Beaufort County deputy has been terminated following an internal investigation into an altercation with teenagers in Hilton Head Island’s Squiresgate neighborhood. The incident raised concerns about law enforcement conduct, with two videos surfacing that show the deputy’s aggressive approach. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed the deputy’s suspension, while simultaneous investigations by SLED and Internal Affairs are ongoing to ensure accountability and transparency in the matter.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – A Beaufort County deputy has been terminated following an internal investigation into an altercation that took place on September 28, 2025. The incident involved Deputy William Squires and several teenagers in the Squiresgate neighborhood, raising serious concerns about the conduct of law enforcement officials in the area.
Beaufort County Sheriff Tanner has announced that the investigation is nearing completion, while the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is also conducting its own investigation to assess potential criminal violations. Two videos have emerged that capture key moments leading up to the encounter, further complicating the situation.
The footage reportedly shows the deputy riding a four-wheeler before he approached the teenagers in his truck. According to reports, the teens engaged in a verbal exchange, openly defying the deputy’s requests, which led to an escalating confrontation. During this exchange, one teen allegedly asked if he would be in the wrong if he responded physically to the deputy’s demands.
As the incident unfolded, the deputy made threatening remarks, questioning whether the teenagers wanted to face arrest and asserting that they did not live in the neighborhood. This verbal confrontation escalated when the deputy drew his firearm, instructing the teens to lie on the ground. At least one teen was heard screaming for his mother during this tense moment.
A physical struggle ensued when one of the teenagers reportedly pushed the deputy, prompting the deputy to allegedly point his firearm at the teen and threaten him with lethal force. In response to the incident, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office issued an internal statement confirming the deputy’s suspension without pay. Furthermore, he has been stripped of his credentials, badge, and issued equipment.
Law enforcement responded to reports of a disturbance shortly after the initial altercation, around 6:47 p.m. However, as part of the ongoing investigation, the deputy’s identity is yet to be publicly disclosed. The Fourteenth Circuit Solicitor’s office is expected to determine if any criminal charges will materialize following the completion of the SLED investigation.
In addition to the external multiple investigations, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is conducting its own Internal Affairs Investigation in accordance with agency policies. The Sheriff’s Office has made a public appeal for any additional information or video evidence from witnesses to aid in their investigations.
Current Status of the Investigation
The internal investigation by the Sheriff’s Office is nearing its conclusion, while the SLED investigation continues to probe potential criminal activities related to the incident.
Context and Background
Incidents involving law enforcement officers and members of the public can lead to severe implications for community trust and safety. This event highlights the critical need for accountability and transparency in police conduct, further emphasizing the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in maintaining public order and confidence.
The ongoing investigations aim to ensure a thorough examination of the events that transpired, seeking to address any violations of protocol or the law. As these inquiries progress, both community members and law enforcement are eager to see the outcomes that can restore trust and ensure justice is served.
Summary of the Incident
- Date: September 28, 2025
- Location: Squiresgate neighborhood, Hilton Head Island
- Deputy Involved: William Squires
- Key Action: Internal suspension without pay, firearm drawn
- Ongoing Investigations: SLED and Internal Affairs
FAQ
What happened on September 28, 2025?
A Beaufort County deputy was terminated after an internal investigation into an altercation involving multiple teenagers in the Squiresgate neighborhood of Hilton Head Island.
What is the status of the investigations?
Sheriff Tanner announced that the internal investigation is near completion, while the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) continues to investigate for potential criminal violations.
What did the videos show?
Two videos surfaced depicting moments leading up to the encounter, showing the deputy on a four-wheeler and subsequently approaching the teens in a truck.
What actions did the deputy take during the altercation?
The deputy threatened the teens, drew his firearm, and ordered them to the ground, which led to a physical altercation where one teen pushed the deputy.
What will happen next?
The Fourteenth Circuit Solicitor’s office will determine if criminal charges are appropriate after the SLED investigation, while the Sheriff’s Office is conducting an Internal Affairs Investigation.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date | September 28, 2025 |
| Officer Involved | Deputy William Squires |
| Location | Squiresgate neighborhood, Hilton Head Island |
| Incident Type | Altercation with teenagers |
| Action Taken | Suspended without pay, firearm drawn |
| Investigating Bodies | SLED and Internal Affairs of the Sheriff’s Office |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Former Deputy Terminated for Inappropriate Conduct
Sheriff’s Deputy Fired After Confronting Teens with Gun
Beaufort Leaders Assess Repair Options for Waterfront Park
Master Sgt. William Squires Fired After Gunpoint Incident
Deputy Terminated After Gun Incident In Hilton Head
Beaufort Deputy Fired After Pointing Gun at Teenagers
Beaufort County Deputy Fired After Gun Incident
No Kings Coalition Plans Protest Across South Carolina
Beaufort County Deputy Terminated for Gun Incident
Beaufort County Deputy Fired After Disturbing Incident
Additional Resources
- WSAV: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Update
- Wikipedia: Law enforcement in the United States
- WTOC: New Video of Deputy Incident
- Google Search: Beaufort County Sheriff
- WJCL: Deputy Suspended on Hilton Head Island
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- WYFF: Beaufort County Deputy Incident
- Google News: Beaufort County Deputy 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.
