Beaufort County, October 4, 2025
News Summary
Beaufort County has terminated Master Sgt. William Squires after he allegedly threatened teenagers with a firearm. The incident led to a public outcry and an ongoing investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Squires’ actions raised significant concerns about law enforcement conduct, prompting discussions about community safety and policies regarding officers’ behavior in their neighborhoods.
Beaufort County is currently grappling with the recent firing of a deputy following a disturbing incident in which he brandished a firearm at teenagers. Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires, a 19-year veteran of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, was terminated from his position on Friday, October 3, 2025, for violating multiple policies and standards of conduct within the organization.
The incident occurred on Sunday, September 28, 2025, during which Squires allegedly confronted three teenagers in his neighborhood over a disturbance that was reportedly centered around a backpack. Eyewitness accounts and video evidence reveal that Squires pointed his gun at the teenagers and shouted at them to get on the ground. One of the teenagers was wrongfully accused of possessing a firearm, a claim that was disputed by individuals who recorded the encounter.
Community concerns regarding Squires’ behavior prompted an on-duty officer to administer a breathalyzer test, which Squires refused. As a result of the incident, Squires was suspended without pay and stripped of his credentials, badge, and weapons shortly after arriving at the scene at approximately 6:47 p.m.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has also requested the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy to revoke Squires’ state law enforcement certification. Alongside this, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has initiated an investigation into potential criminal violations. This investigation is expected to provide further clarity concerning the events that led to Squires’ dismissal.
Sheriff P.J. Tanner has publicly addressed the situation, emphasizing that the actions of a single individual should not tarnish the reputation of the entire sheriff’s office. He reminded the community of existing policies that prohibit officers from policing their own neighborhoods while under the influence of alcohol, further underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Despite Squires having a relatively clean record over his 19 years in service, the recent incident raised significant concerns among community members and law enforcement officials alike. As part of their response, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is conducting its own internal investigation in collaboration with the SLED investigation, which may bring additional facts to light.
As this situation continues to unfold, residents and community leaders are expressing their thoughts on the implications of this incident on local law enforcement practices and community safety protocols moving forward.
Key Features of the Incident
| Date of Incident | Deputy Involved | Reason for Termination | Current Investigation | Testimony |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 28, 2025 | Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires | Code of conduct failure and policy violations | Ongoing SLED investigation | Eyewitness accounts and video evidence |
FAQ
What led to the termination of Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires?
Squires was fired on Friday, October 3, 2025, for code of conduct failure and a variety of policy violations.
Was Squires under the influence during the incident?
He was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol during the incident.
What actions were taken against Squires immediately after the incident?
He was suspended without pay, relieved of credentials, badge, and issued weapons shortly after the incident.
Is there an ongoing investigation?
Yes, a South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigation is currently underway for possible criminal violations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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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
Additional Resources
- WTOC
- Wikipedia: Beaufort County, South Carolina
- Live 5 News
- Google Search: Beaufort County Sheriff firing
- ABC News 4
- Google Scholar: law enforcement conduct
- WYFF News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
- Post and Courier
- Google News: Beaufort County Sheriff Department
- Island Packet
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.
