Beaufort, South Carolina, October 17, 2025
News Summary
Laquesha Habersham has initiated a federal lawsuit against the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and former Master Sergeant William Squires following an incident where Squires, allegedly intoxicated, pointed a loaded firearm at several teenagers. The lawsuit claims serious allegations, including false imprisonment and assault, and it names additional unnamed defendants. The Sheriff’s Office has declined to comment amid ongoing investigations. This incident raises significant concerns regarding law enforcement accountability in the community.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Laquesha Habersham has filed a federal lawsuit against the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) and former Master Sergeant William “Billy” Squires after an alarming incident on September 28, 2025, where Squires, while allegedly intoxicated, pointed a loaded firearm at a group of teenage boys. The lawsuit also includes five unnamed defendants referred to as “John Does.”
The confrontation unfolded when Squires, operating his official work vehicle, was reported by various neighborhood residents as they witnessed the event. The lawsuit alleges that Squires provided a false account to responding officers about the incident, resulting in further complications. Following the incident, the BCSO ordered Squires to take a sobriety test, which he allegedly refused. Ultimately, he was terminated from his position at the Sheriff’s Office.
The lawsuit highlights serious allegations against Squires, including unlawful conduct such as false imprisonment, assault, battery, and violations of constitutional rights. It is reported that Squires enlisted the help of civilians in the neighborhood to detain the teenagers during the confrontation. A video that went viral captured the alarming moment where Squires threatened the teenagers while pointing his weapon at them, with at least one teenager being placed in handcuffs during the altercation.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is currently investigating the incident for potential criminal violations. In the lawsuit, the plaintiff seeks actual, consequential, and punitive damages, the total amount of which will be determined through a jury trial.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has opted not to comment on the ongoing litigation, adhering to a policy that prevents discussion of continuing legal matters. Nevertheless, Sheriff P.J. Tanner expressed his shock at the incident, highlighting policy violations regarding being armed while intoxicated and the failure of Squires to activate his body camera during the altercation.
As the investigation continues, the community is left reflecting on the serious implications of the incident involving law enforcement and the safeguarding of community youth.
Key Details of the Case
- Incident Date: September 28, 2025
- Defendants: William “Billy” Squires, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, five unnamed individuals
- Allegations: False imprisonment, assault, battery, violations of constitutional rights
- SLED Investigation: Ongoing investigation for potential criminal violations
- Damages Sought: Actual, consequential, and punitive damages
- Individuals Detained: Group of teenage boys, at least one placed in handcuffs
- Sheriff’s Comment: Expressed shock at policy violations, including intoxication and failure to activate the body camera
Background Context
Laquesha Habersham’s lawsuit reflects serious community concerns regarding law enforcement accountability. The actions of former Master Sergeant Squires not only resulted in a tense standoff with youth but have led to questions about the conduct of officers while off-duty and their adherence to established policies. The incident has garnered significant public attention, prompting both legal scrutiny and community discourse about police practices and oversight in Beaufort County.
FAQ
Who filed the federal lawsuit against the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office?
Laquesha Habersham, mother of a teenager involved, has filed a federal lawsuit.
What incident prompted the lawsuit?
The incident occurred on September 28, 2025, when Squires allegedly pointed a loaded firearm at a group of teenage boys while visibly intoxicated.
What are the allegations made in the lawsuit?
The lawsuit alleges that Squires committed unlawful conduct, including false imprisonment, assault, battery, alongside violations of constitutional rights.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is currently investigating the incident for potential criminal violations.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | September 28, 2025 |
| Defendants | William “Billy” Squires, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, five unnamed individuals |
| Allegations | False imprisonment, assault, battery, constitutional rights violations |
| SLED Investigation | Ongoing investigation for potential criminal violations |
| Damages Sought | Actual, consequential, and punitive damages |
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Additional Resources
- WTOC
- WSAV
- Post and Courier
- WJCL
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Police brutality
- Google Search: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office
- Google Scholar: law enforcement accountability
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- Google News: Beaufort County lawsuit
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.
