Hilton Head, October 4, 2025
News Summary
A Beaufort County deputy has been terminated following an incident where he pointed a gun at teenagers while off duty in Hilton Head. The incident, recorded on video, sparked outrage in the community. Sheriff P.J. Tanner announced the termination after an internal investigation and concerns regarding possible alcohol consumption surfaced. The deputy, William ‘Billy’ Squires, who had no prior significant disciplinary issues, awaits results from an ongoing investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) regarding potential criminal violations.
Hilton Head, South Carolina
A Beaufort County deputy has been fired after pointing a gun at teenagers while off duty in his Hilton Head neighborhood. The incident, involving Deputy William “Billy” Squires, occurred on September 28 and was captured on video, leading to widespread outrage among residents of Beaufort County.
Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner announced Squires’ termination during a press conference on October 3. Following the event, Squires was placed on unpaid leave and relieved of his credentials, badge, weapons, and equipment. The sheriff emphasized the importance of maintaining a high standard of conduct for law enforcement officers, asserting that they must adhere to departmental policies both on and off duty.
In response to community concerns regarding possible inebriation, Tanner ordered Squires to undergo a blood-alcohol content test; however, Squires refused the test. Despite his refusal, Squires admitted to consuming alcohol after the incident occurred.
To investigate possible criminal violations, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been requested to look into the matter. The results of the SLED investigation will be submitted to the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office to determine whether criminal charges are warranted against Squires.
Squires had been with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office since 2006 and maintained a relatively clean personnel file, with no significant disciplinary actions prior to this incident. The internal affairs investigation surrounding Squires’ conduct is expected to take some time as it involves interviewing multiple witnesses.
Concerns from the community, particularly from the family members of the teenagers involved, have raised questions about the safety and conduct of law enforcement officers in the area. In light of these events, Squires’ law enforcement certification has been referred to the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy for possible revocation.
As of now, the deputy is no longer employed with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and awaits the outcome of the investigations and proceedings initiated in his case.
Key Facts:
- Incident Date: September 28
- Deputy Involved: William “Billy” Squires
- Termination Date: October 3
- Test Refusal: Blood-alcohol content test
- Investigating Agency: South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
- Law Enforcement Career Start: 2006
Incident Overview
The incident involving Deputy Squires has raised alarm within the Hilton Head community, prompting discussions on law enforcement accountability and safety. Residents expressed their concerns regarding the actions of a law enforcement officer in a situation that aimed to ensure public safety, contrasting with the very nature of law enforcement’s role.
Conclusion
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office will continue to address community concerns while handling the personnel investigation surrounding Deputy Squires. The sheriff’s office is committed to maintaining community trust and ensuring that law enforcement officers act within the assigned standards of conduct.
FAQs
Beaufort County Deputy Fired After Pointing Gun at Teenagers While Off Duty
What happened to Deputy William “Billy” Squires?
Deputy William “Billy” Squires pointed a department-issued gun at a group of teenagers while off duty in his Hilton Head neighborhood on September 28. He was fired on October 3.
What led to Deputy Squires’ termination?
Deputy Squires was terminated due to his conduct of pointing a gun at teenagers, captured in a video that circulated on social media, causing public outrage.
Was Deputy Squires under the influence during the incident?
After the incident, Squires refused a blood-alcohol content test but admitted to consuming alcohol, raising concerns about possible inebriation.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating for potential criminal violations, and findings will be sent to the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Deputy Name | William “Billy” Squires |
| Incident Date | September 28 |
| Termination Date | October 3 |
| Community Response | Outrage and concern about safety |
| Investigation Agency | South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort County Deputy Terminated for Gun Incident
Beaufort County Deputy Fired After Disturbing Incident
Beaufort County Deputy Suspended After Gun Incident
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Law Enforcement in the United States
- WSAV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
- ABC News 4
- Google Search: Beaufort County Deputy incident
- Island Packet
- Google Scholar: Law Enforcement Conduct
- WJCL
- Google News: Beaufort County Deputy Squires
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.
