Hilton Head Island, October 1, 2025
News Summary
An off-duty Beaufort County sheriff’s deputy has been suspended without pay following a controversial incident in Hilton Head Island. The deputy is under scrutiny after video footage emerged showing him pointing a firearm at three teenage boys during a confrontation. This has led to a criminal investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. The incident, which took place in the Squiresgate neighborhood, has polarized community opinions and raised serious concerns regarding police conduct towards minors.
Hilton Head Island
An off-duty Beaufort County sheriff’s deputy has been suspended without pay following an incident that occurred on September 28, 2025, in the Squiresgate neighborhood of Hilton Head Island. The deputy is currently under scrutiny after video footage surfaced showing him pointing a firearm at three teenage boys and ordering them to get on the ground. This incident has sparked a criminal investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
The deputy was stripped of all credentials, badge, and department-issued weapons and equipment pending the outcome of the investigation. SLED has been tasked with investigating this situation and will forward any findings related to potential criminal violations to the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office for review. Additionally, the sheriff’s office has initiated its own internal review of the deputy’s actions, a process that is expected to take some time due to the necessity of conducting interviews.
The incident took place around 6:47 p.m. on a day when officers responded to a disturbance call in the neighborhood where the deputy resides. The viral video, shared on social media, depicts the deputy—dressed in a sheriff’s office vest, shorts, and slip-on shoes—engaging with the minors. He identified himself as law enforcement when the boys called for help, asserting his authority.
During the confrontation, a physical altercation was reported, with the deputy attempting to take a black backpack from two of the boys. The video captures one of the boys pleading for help and calling for his mother, while the deputy allegedly threatened to shoot. The officer’s actions prompted mixed reactions from the local community, raising questions about police conduct, particularly towards minors.
The sheriff’s office has refrained from releasing the deputy’s name and has not confirmed whether he was off-duty at the time of the incident. Some neighbors have made conflicting claims, alleging that one of the boys was armed; however, police have reported finding no firearms on the teenagers.
The deputy, who has been with the Beaufort County sheriff’s office since 2006 and has a clean disciplinary record, has faced significant public backlash. The community’s reaction has been polarized, with some residents rallying behind the deputy while expressing concerns about youth behavior, whereas others condemn the use of force against children. Families of the affected teenagers are reportedly considering legal action against the deputy for his conduct during the disruption.
As the situation unfolds, the sheriff’s office urges anyone with additional information or video footage of the incident to reach out to their Internal Affairs division for further investigation.
FAQ
What incident led to the suspension of the Beaufort County sheriff’s deputy?
An off-duty Beaufort County sheriff’s deputy was suspended without pay following an incident in the Squiresgate neighborhood of Hilton Head Island where he pointed a firearm at three teenage boys.
What actions have been taken against the deputy?
The deputy was relieved of all credentials, his badge, and department-issued weapons and equipment. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is conducting a criminal investigation into the incident.
When did the incident occur?
The incident occurred on September 28, 2025, around 6:47 p.m.
What is the community’s reaction to the incident?
The community response has been divided, with some residents supporting the deputy and expressing concerns about youth behavior in the neighborhood, while others criticize the use of force against children.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Squiresgate neighborhood, Hilton Head Island |
| Deputy’s Status | Suspended without pay |
| Investigation Authority | South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) |
| Date of Incident | September 28, 2025 |
| Key Actions by Deputy | Pointed firearm at teens, ordered them to the ground |
| Community Response | Polarized opinions among residents |
| Legal Actions | Families of teens considering legal action |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Off-Duty Deputy Suspended After Threatening Teenagers
Investigation Launched After Off-Duty Deputy’s Confrontation with Teenagers
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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
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Additional Resources
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island Deputy Suspended
- Island Packet: Deputy Suspended After Investigation
- ABC News 4: Beaufort County Deputy Suspended
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hilton Head Island
- WTOC: Beaufort Co. Sheriff’s Office Deputy Suspended
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.
