Hilton Head, October 1, 2025
News Summary
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an internal investigation after an off-duty deputy drew his gun on three teenagers in a Hilton Head neighborhood. The deputy has been suspended without pay while both internal and external investigations seek to uncover the incident’s details. Video footage of the encounter has raised serious concerns regarding police conduct, prompting the sheriff’s office to request public assistance in gathering more information about the event.
Hilton Head Island
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has announced an internal investigation following an incident involving an off-duty deputy who drew his gun on three teenagers in a Hilton Head neighborhood. The deputy has been suspended without pay in connection with this incident.
The disturbance occurred around 6:47 p.m. on Sunday in the community where the deputy resides. It has been reported that the deputy was summoned to the scene by someone, although the specifics leading up to the incident remain unclear. A command staff member was present at the scene and promptly relieved the deputy of his police credentials, badge, department-issued weapons, and other equipment.
In reaction to the incident, the sheriff’s office emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards for law enforcement officers, stating that deputies are expected to adhere to all policies both on and off duty. The response to the situation has involved launching an administrative internal investigation, which may take time due to the necessity of conducting multiple interviews. At the same time, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been asked to investigate potential criminal violations, running a parallel investigation alongside the sheriff’s office’s internal review.
This incident has garnered significant attention after video footage emerged on social media, showing the deputy pointing his gun at the teenagers and demanding they get on the ground. The video also captures the deputy identifying himself as “the police” when the teens requested to call for help. At one point in the recording, the deputy alleged that the teenagers possessed a gun, leading to a struggle between the deputy and the minors.
Witness accounts corroborate that the deputy was called to the scene due to an incident involving the teenagers, although details surrounding that situation remain hazy. As a precautionary measure, the sheriff’s office stated that they would reveal the deputy’s identity at a later time. They also indicated that no further questions regarding the incident would be entertained until the investigations have concluded.
The sheriff’s office is actively encouraging anyone who may have information or additional video evidence related to the incident to reach out to the Internal Affairs Investigator at 843-255-3404. This outreach underscores the department’s commitment to transparency and accountability concerning law enforcement actions.
A grandmother of one of the minors involved expressed her distress over the entire episode, questioning why such an incident took place in their community. The results of the SLED investigation will be forwarded to the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, which will determine whether any criminal charges against the deputy are warranted.
The internal investigation’s progress and the call for witnesses demonstrate a robust response to community concerns regarding police conduct and the expectations placed on law enforcement personnel.
FAQ
What is the incident involving the Beaufort County deputy?
The incident involves an off-duty deputy who drew his gun on three teenagers in a Hilton Head neighborhood.
When did the incident occur?
The incident occurred around 6:47 p.m. on Sunday evening.
What actions were taken against the deputy?
The deputy was suspended without pay immediately following the incident.
What was shown in the video that circulated on social media?
The video showed the deputy pointing his gun at the teenagers and demanding they get on the ground.
What investigations are currently underway concerning the incident?
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an internal investigation, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating potential criminal violations.
How can individuals provide more information about the incident?
Individuals with information or video evidence related to the case are encouraged to contact the Internal Affairs Investigator at 843-255-3404.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Hilton Head neighborhood |
| Time of Incident | 6:47 p.m. on Sunday |
| Involved Parties | Off-duty deputy, three teenagers |
| Response Action | Deputy suspended without pay |
| Type of Investigation | Internal and SLED investigations |
| Encouraged Actions | Witnesses to come forward with information |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Outrage in Hilton Head Island Over Sheriff Deputy’s Confrontation with Teens
Off-Duty Deputy Suspended for Gun Incident with Teenagers
Beaufort County Deputy Suspended After Gun Incident
Deputy Suspended After Confrontation with Teens
Remembering Nita Hall: A Legacy of Service and Community
Beaufort’s Waterfront Park Faces Extended Closure
Operation Safe Drive 278 to Enhance Traffic Safety in Beaufort
Beaufort County Launches AI-Powered Traffic Camera System
Woman Wins $200,000 Lottery Prize Inspired by Favorite Color
Quin Monahan Resigns as USCB Athletics Director
Additional Resources
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island Deputy Suspended
- WTOC: Beaufort County Deputy Suspended Without Pay
- ABC News 4: Beaufort County Deputy Suspended
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Deputy Incident
- WYFF4: Beaufort County Deputy Suspended for Gun Incident
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- Google Search: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- Google News: Beaufort County Deputy Suspension
- Google Scholar: Law Enforcement Conduct
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.
