Hilton Head, October 4, 2025
News Summary
A former deputy from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office was fired after an investigation revealed he pointed a gun at three teenagers while on duty. The incident occurred on Hilton Head Island and raised significant concerns about police conduct. The deputy, William Squires, violated department policies and is under investigation for potential criminal charges. Community members and the families of the teenagers involved are seeking legal action in response to this alarming event.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
A former deputy has been terminated from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office after an investigation revealed he exhibited inappropriate behavior while on duty. Former Master Sergeant William “Billy” Squires was fired after an incident on September 28, 2025, where he pointed a gun at three teenagers while dressed in sheriff’s office gear. The sheriff’s office investigated this alarming event, which was compounded by findings that Squires violated the agency’s code of conduct and several policies.
Sheriff P.J. Tanner stated the incident was appalling, emphasizing that “bad decisions have consequences.” The event took place on Hilton Head Island and was captured on video footage that later went viral. In the video, Squires can be seen threatening the teens and engaging in a physical altercation over one of the teenager’s backpacks. When additional deputies arrived at the scene, there was suspicion that Squires may have been under the influence of alcohol.
Squires was immediately suspended without pay after he refused to consent to a breathalyzer test. During the ongoing internal investigation, he admitted to drinking alcohol prior to the encounter. It was determined that Squires broke several department policies, including insubordination and unauthorized use of force, as well as attempting to arrest or detain individuals without justification. Reports indicate that Squires was drinking in a public place while armed, which starkly contrasts with department policy.
Prior to this incident, Squires had served 19 years with the department and maintained a relatively clean personnel file. However, his actions during this incident prompted significant repercussions. Investigators from the sheriff’s office are collaborating with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to decide whether criminal charges should be filed against Squires, with a report anticipated the following week.
The families of the teenagers involved are seeking legal representation and may potentially file a lawsuit against Squires. In light of the incident and its ramifications, the sheriff’s office has requested that the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy revoke Squires’ law enforcement certification. Following the incident, Squires has been stripped of his badge, service weapon, and credentials, illustrating the gravity of his actions.
Sheriff Tanner pointed out that deputies are held to high standards of conduct both on and off duty, a principle that the sheriff’s department is currently grappling with amid increased scrutiny from the community regarding the use of police force in neighborhoods.
Key Facts
- Former Master Sergeant William “Billy” Squires was terminated from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
- Incident took place on September 28, 2025, involving Squires pointing a gun at three teenagers.
- Squires was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol during the incident.
- He was suspended without pay after refusing a breathalyzer test.
- Squires violated several department policies, including insubordination and unauthorized use of force.
- Investigators are working with SLED to determine potential criminal charges against Squires.
- Families of the involved teens are considering legal action.
- Squires could have his law enforcement certification revoked.
Community Reaction
The incident has raised serious concerns about police conduct and the use of force within the community. Many residents are expressing their unease regarding the implications of Squires’ behavior and the potential impact on trust between law enforcement and the public. The sheriff’s office is anticipated to address these concerns moving forward, ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to regain community confidence.
FAQ
What incident led to the termination of William “Billy” Squires?
Squires was terminated after he pointed a gun at three teenagers on September 28, 2025, violating department policies.
Was William “Billy” Squires suspected of being under the influence during the incident?
Yes, responding deputies suspected he may have been under the influence of alcohol when they arrived.
What are the potential legal consequences for William “Billy” Squires?
Investigators are working with SLED to determine if criminal charges should be filed against him.
What actions are the families of the teenagers taking?
The families are seeking legal representation and may potentially file a lawsuit.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | September 28, 2025 |
| Involved Parties | William “Billy” Squires, three teenagers |
| Consequences for Squires | Terminated, potential criminal charges, lost certification |
| Community Action | Increased scrutiny, families considering legal actions |
| Department Response | Maintaining high standards of conduct |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Deputy Terminated After Gun Incident In Hilton Head
Beaufort County Deputy Fired After Gun Incident
Beaufort County Deputy Terminated for Gun Incident
Beaufort County Deputy Fired After Disturbing Incident
Beaufort County Deputy Suspended After Confrontation with Teens
Deputy Suspended After Pointing Firearm at Teenagers
Suspension of Beaufort County Deputy After Confrontation
Investigation Launched After Off-Duty Deputy’s Confrontation with Teenagers
Internal Investigation Launched After Deputy Draws Gun on Teens
Beaufort County Deputy Suspended After Gun Incident
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier
- Wikipedia: Police Brutality in the United States
- Live 5 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- Island Packet
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.
