Hilton Head Island, October 2, 2025
News Summary
A Beaufort County deputy has been suspended after drawing his weapon on teenagers in Hilton Head Island’s Squiresgate neighborhood. The incident escalated after a deputy confronted the teens, asking if they wished to be arrested. Eventually, tensions rose, leading to the deputy brandishing his firearm and a physical altercation ensued. The sheriff’s office has confirmed the suspension without pay, and investigations by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division are ongoing, with community members expressing concerns over safety and the use of force.
Hilton Head Island – A Beaufort County deputy has been suspended after drawing his weapon on several teenagers during an altercation in the Squiresgate neighborhood on Sunday evening. New video footage of the incident has surfaced, offering further insights into the confrontation that occurred around 6:45 p.m.
The first video depicts an unidentified man on a four-wheeler allegedly harassing the teens as they walked through the neighborhood. The teenagers express their frustration by indicating that their presence shouldn’t be an issue or subject to inquiry. Tensions appear to rise when one teen provocatively suggests a physical confrontation, questioning whether he would be in the wrong if he were to punch the man in the face.
A second video shows the deputy initiating contact with the teens upon his arrival in a truck. He asks if they would like to face arrest, prompting the teens to respond that they have not done anything wrong and are only walking in the neighborhood. They assert their right to remain without disclosing their residential information. The situation escalates as the deputy claims they do not belong in the area, to which one of the teens insists he resides nearby.
As the exchange continues, the deputy eventually leaves but returns brandishing a firearm and ordering the teens to lie on the ground. Following this command, a physical confrontation ensues, with one teen pushing the deputy away from another. During the altercation, the deputy threatens to shoot, leading to a teen screaming for his mother amidst the chaos.
In the aftermath, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the deputy has been suspended without pay, stripped of all badge and departmental equipment. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is now investigating the incident for potential criminal violations, while the sheriff’s office has launched its internal investigation. This internal review is expected to be thorough and time-consuming, involving multiple interviews of those connected to the incident.
Residents in the area have voiced significant concerns regarding safety, particularly with reports of prior disturbances involving teenagers in the community. Some have highlighted ongoing issues with teens entering the neighborhood, while others believe that the deputy’s reaction was disproportionate to the situation. Furthermore, families of the involved teenagers have expressed intentions to file charges against the deputy.
As of now, the identity of the deputy has not been publicly disclosed, and law enforcement personnel remained on the scene long into the night following the initial disturbance reports.
Key Details of the Incident
- Location: Squiresgate neighborhood, Hilton Head Island
- Time: Sunday at approximately 6:45 p.m.
- Status: Deputy suspended without pay; SLED investigating
- Community Response: Residents concerned; some families threatening legal action
Background Information
The confrontation has raised broader discussions about community safety and the appropriate use of authority by law enforcement. Previous instances in the area involving teenage disturbances have heightened sensitivity about perceived threats and safety protocols, leading to differing opinions among local residents regarding the deputy’s actions.
FAQs
What led to the suspension of the Beaufort County deputy?
The deputy was suspended after drawing his gun on several teenagers during an incident in the Squiresgate neighborhood.
Where and when did the incident occur?
The incident took place in the Squiresgate neighborhood of Hilton Head Island on Sunday at approximately 6:45 p.m.
What investigations are being conducted?
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating for possible criminal violations, and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an internal investigation.
What has been the community’s response to this incident?
Local residents have expressed concerns about safety, with reports of previous disturbances involving teens in the area, and some families have threatened to file charges against the deputy.
Has the identity of the deputy been disclosed?
No, the identity of the deputy involved has not been released publicly.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Beaufort County Deputy Suspended After Gun Incident
Deputy Suspended After Pointing Firearm at Teenagers
Suspension of Beaufort County Deputy After Confrontation
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
Internal Investigation Launched After Deputy Draws Gun on Teens
Community Outrage in Hilton Head Island Over Sheriff Deputy’s Confrontation with Teens
Off-Duty Deputy Suspended for Gun Incident with Teenagers
Additional Resources
- WTOC: New Videos Show Moments Before Deputy Incident Beaufort County
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island Deputy Suspended
- ABC News 4: Beaufort County Deputy Suspended
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Deputy Suspended
- ABC7: South Carolina Deputy Suspended
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- Google Search: Beaufort County Deputy Suspended
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Policing
- Google News: Beaufort County Deputy
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.
