Hilton Head Island, October 4, 2025
News Summary
Former Master Sgt. William Squires was terminated following an incident where he pointed a gun at teenagers while off-duty. An investigation revealed he was under the influence of alcohol, which led to his dismissal and a request to revoke his law enforcement certification. The incident, recorded on video, raised concerns about police conduct and accountability in the community.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina — Former Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires, a 19-year veteran of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, was fired on October 3, 2025, following a concerning incident on September 28. During the confrontation, Squires, who was off-duty at the time, pointed his handgun at several teenagers and threatened to shoot within the Squiresgate neighborhood.
Squires was seen wearing a sheriff’s department-issued tactical vest during the incident. An investigation led by Sheriff P.J. Tanner determined that Squires violated multiple policies, including insubordination for refusing a breathalyzer test. It was revealed that Squires admitted to drinking before the confrontation, which contributed to the decision to terminate his employment.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has requested that the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy revoke Squires’ law enforcement certification. This action comes amid increased public outcry, primarily due to an 84-second video of the incident that went viral on social media, prompting thorough investigations by both the sheriff’s office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
The video footage showed Squires aggressively commanding the boys to get on the ground and asserting, “I am the police,” when one of the teens attempted to call 911. The situation escalated when Squires attempted to search one teen’s backpack, leading to a physical altercation that caused him to draw his weapon again and threaten the boys further.
According to Sheriff Tanner, Squires’ behaviors were deemed insubordinate and unprofessional, violating the sheriff’s office’s code of conduct and firearms policy while under the influence of alcohol. Despite his relatively clean personnel record, having only one previous unfounded internal affairs investigation, the severity of this incident has drawn significant criticism from the community.
Immediately following the incident, Squires was suspended without pay and stripped of his badge and service weapon. The community’s concerns about his intoxication prompted a response from on-duty officers, leading to the request for a breathalyzer test.
As investigations continue, the director of the Public Integrity Unit will determine potential charges once SLED completes its ongoing investigation. A report from SLED is expected by October 9. Sheriff Tanner reinforced the commitment of the majority of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office deputies to uphold public trust and safety, emphasizing that deputies are expected to adhere to office policies at all times, both on and off duty.
Background Context
William Squires had served in law enforcement for nearly two decades with a largely unblemished record. The incident has raised questions about accountability and behavior among law enforcement personnel, and it highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by police officers in high-pressure situations. This event also reflects broader conversations happening nationwide regarding police conduct and community relations.
FAQ
Why was William Squires fired?
William Squires was fired for pointing his handgun at several teenagers and threatening to shoot during an incident on September 28, 2025, while off-duty.
What did the investigation reveal about Squires’ conduct?
The investigation revealed that Squires committed multiple policy violations including insubordination for refusing a breathalyzer test and acted unprofessionally while under the influence of alcohol.
What actions have been taken regarding his law enforcement certification?
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has requested that the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy revoke Squires’ law enforcement certification.
What are the next steps following the incident?
The director of the Public Integrity Unit will decide on potential charges after SLED completes its ongoing investigation, which is expected to provide a report by October 9.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Officer Involved | William “Billy” Squires |
| Length of Service | 19 years |
| Date of Incident | September 28, 2025 |
| Date of Termination | October 3, 2025 |
| Location | Squiresgate neighborhood, Hilton Head Island |
| Violations | Policy violations, insubordination, alcohol influence |
| Investigation Type | Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and SLED |
| Next Report Due | October 9 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort County Deputy Terminated After Altercation with Teens
Sheriff’s Deputy Fired After Confronting Teens with Gun
Master Sgt. William Squires Fired After Gunpoint Incident
Deputy Terminated After Gun Incident In Hilton Head
Beaufort County Deputy Fired After Gun Incident
Beaufort County Deputy Fired After Disturbing Incident
Beaufort Police Make Second Arrest in Shooting Incident
Journalist Injured While Covering Protests in Los Angeles
South Carolina Executes Inmate by Firing Squad Amid Controversy
Beaufort Man Arrested for Multiple Violent Incidents
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Beaufort Sheriff Deputy Incident
- Wikipedia: Police Conduct
- Live 5 News: Deputy Fired for Policy Violations
- Google Search: Law Enforcement Accountability
- WTOC: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Fired
- Google Scholar: Police Misconduct
- WJCL: Hilton Head Suspended Deputy Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
- WIS TV: Deputy Fired Multiple Policy Violations
- Google News: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office
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.
