Hilton Head Island, October 4, 2025
News Summary
Deputy William Squires has been fired from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office after pointing a gun at teenagers while off-duty. An internal investigation revealed several policy violations, including insubordination and being under the influence of alcohol. Sheriff P.J. Tanner confirmed the office’s commitment to maintaining public trust and has called for Squires’ law enforcement certification to be revoked. The sheriff expressed concern over the implications of the incident and emphasized that deputies must abide by policies at all times.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – Deputy William “Billy” Squires of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has been terminated after an incident where he pointed a gun at teenagers while off-duty. The firing took place on the morning of Friday, October 3, 2025, following the alarming event that transpired on September 28, 2025, in a Hilton Head neighborhood.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is also requesting that the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy revoke Squires’ state law enforcement certification. An internal investigation revealed a series of policy violations committed by Squires during the incident. These violations included insubordination for refusing to submit to a DataMaster (breathalyzer) test, unprofessional conduct that undermined public respect, being under the influence of alcohol in a public space, and attempting an unlawful arrest during a neighborhood dispute without a clear threat. Furthermore, he violated firearms policy by consuming alcohol while armed and using a firearm inappropriately.
Sheriff P.J. Tanner emphasized the office’s strict policy against deputies policing their own neighborhoods and reiterated that consuming alcohol should not lead to police action. Squires did not contact the communications center or duty supervisor during the incident and failed to activate his body-worn camera while acting in an official capacity, which is mandatory.
The sheriff expressed astonishment upon reviewing video footage of the incident, which has since circulated widely online. An ongoing investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) may result in additional criminal charges against Squires. Sheriff Tanner reiterated that deputies are sworn in 24/7 and are required to abide by all laws and policies at all times.
Despite having 19 years of service with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and a record with few prior incidents, Squires now faces severe repercussions. Sheriff Tanner addressed the importance of policing to maintain community trust, noting the negative implications this incident has on the reputation of the sheriff’s office.
Following the incident, Squires was immediately suspended without pay, stripped of his credentials and badge, and had his issued weapons taken from him on the same night. Community members who witnessed the incident are encouraged to share any information or video footage with Internal Affairs Investigator Lt. Draisen.
Internal Investigation Findings
- Insubordination for refusing a breathalyzer test.
- Unprofessional conduct that did not promote public respect.
- Being under alcohol influence in a public area.
- Attempting an unlawful arrest in a neighborhood dispute.
- Violating firearms policy by drinking while armed.
Community Call to Action
Community witnesses are encouraged to report any relevant information or provide video evidence by contacting Internal Affairs Investigator Lt. Draisen.
About Deputy William “Billy” Squires
Squires had been a member of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office for 19 years with a relatively clean record before this incident. His actions have raised significant concerns regarding his judgment and conduct while in a position of authority.
Impact on the Sheriff’s Office
Incidents like this can damage trust between law enforcement and the community, prompting Sheriff Tanner to stress the importance of maintaining public confidence in policing.
Next Steps
Moving forward, the investigation led by SLED is likely to determine whether additional charges will be filed against Squires.
FAQ
What led to the firing of Deputy William “Billy” Squires?
Deputy William “Billy” Squires was terminated after pointing a gun at teenagers while off-duty, as confirmed by Sheriff P.J. Tanner.
When was Squires terminated from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office?
Squires was terminated on the morning of Friday, October 3, 2025.
Why was an internal investigation conducted?
The internal investigation revealed multiple policy violations, including insubordination and unprofessional conduct.
What violations did Squires commit according to the investigation?
The violations included refusing a breathalyzer test, being under the influence of alcohol, attempting an unlawful arrest, and violating firearms policy.
What is the response of the Sheriff’s Office regarding deputy conduct?
Sheriff Tanner emphasized the importance of following the law and policies at all times, even when off-duty.
What should community witnesses do with evidence related to the incident?
Community witnesses are encouraged to share any information or video footage with Internal Affairs Investigator Lt. Draisen.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | September 28, 2025 |
| Termination Date | October 3, 2025 |
| Years of Service | 19 years |
| Key Violations | Insubordination, Unprofessional Conduct, Alcohol Influence |
| Investigation Authority | South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort County Deputy Fired After Disturbing Incident
Beaufort County Deputy Suspended After Gun Incident
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Police Misconduct
- WTOC
- Google Search: Deputy William Squires
- WJCL
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
- WSAV
- Google News: Beaufort County Sheriff Office Incident
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.
