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Beaufort County Sheriff’s Officer Terminated After Gun Incident

Beaufort, South Carolina, October 9, 2025

News Summary

Master Sgt. William Squires of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office was terminated after an incident where he pointed his service firearm at teenagers. The confrontation, which occurred in Hilton Head, was captured on video and sparked significant public outcry. Squires faced suspension for insubordination after refusing a breathalyzer test and is now under investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Sheriff Tanner stated that Squires’ actions do not reflect the BCSO’s standards, and multiple policy violations are being reviewed.

Beaufort, South Carolina

Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires, a 19-year veteran of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), was terminated on October 3 after an internal investigation into his conduct during a confrontation with teenagers on September 28. The incident involved Squires pointing his service firearm at a group of minors in the Squiresgate community on Hilton Head Island.

The encounter was captured on a now-viral video that has sparked outrage among local residents and garnered widespread attention on social media platforms. Dressed in civilian clothing along with his BCSO tactical vest, Squires reportedly approached the teens and pointed his gun at them, demanding they get on the ground. Witnesses reported that during the confrontation, he grabbed one of the boys and threatened to shoot if the group did not comply with his orders.

Prior to law enforcement arriving at the scene, the BCSO communications center received numerous calls regarding a disturbance, with some reports indicating shots fired. When deputies arrived, Squires was still in possession of his department-issued equipment, including his service weapon, badge, and radio. Concerned about his behavior, Sheriff P.J. Tanner ordered a breathalyzer test for Squires after being informed of the incident by Command Duty Officer Lt. Craig Washington.

Squires refused to submit to the breathalyzer test, leading to his placement on unpaid leave as well as the collection of his credentials and weapons, which resulted in his suspension for insubordination. Following the incident, Squires admitted to consuming alcohol before the confrontation took place.

Sheriff Tanner characterized Squires’ actions as “appalling,” noting that they violated multiple BCSO policies. Violations included failure to obey lawful orders, unprofessional conduct, being under the influence while armed, unlawful arrest attempts, and the failure to activate his body-worn camera during the incident. As a result, Squires’ law enforcement certification has been referred to the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy for possible revocation.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has initiated a criminal investigation into the incident, which remains ongoing. The findings from this investigation will be submitted to the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office upon completion.

In response to the community’s outrage, Sheriff Tanner reiterated that Squires’ actions do not represent the standards upheld by the BCSO and expressed understanding for the public’s reaction to the incident.

Summary of Events

Background Context

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for providing law enforcement services in Beaufort County, South Carolina. Officers are trained to adhere to strict guidelines regarding conduct, especially in situations involving the use of firearms and interaction with the public. Violations of these standards can lead to disciplinary actions, including termination and criminal investigations.

FAQ Section

Who was terminated from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office?

Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires was terminated from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office on October 3 after an internal investigation.

What incident led to Squires’ termination?

The incident occurred on September 28 when Squires pointed his service firearm at a group of teenagers in the Squiresgate community on Hilton Head Island.

How did the community react to the incident?

The encounter was captured on a now-viral video that sparked outrage among residents and gained attention on social media.

What actions were taken against Squires after the incident?

Squires was placed on unpaid leave, had his credentials and weapons collected, and was suspended for insubordination after refusing a breathalyzer test.

Has a criminal investigation been opened into the incident?

Yes, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has opened a criminal investigation into the incident, which is ongoing and expected to conclude soon.

Key Features of the Incident

Feature Details
Officer Involved Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires
Years of Service 19 years
Date of Incident September 28
Date of Termination October 3
Community Reaction Outrage and viral video
Violations Multiple BCSO policy violations
Investigation Status Ongoing criminal investigation by SLED

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Shooting Incident in Beaufort Plaza Leads to Fatality
Marine Corps Veteran Donald Ungar Passes Away
Deputy Terminated After Pointing Gun at Teenagers
Beaufort County Struggles with Tax Debts from Sanctioned Bankers
Former Officer Fired for Gun Incident with Teenagers
Deputy William Squires Fired for Pointing Gun at Teens
Former Beaufort County Officer Fired After Threatening Teens
Beaufort County Deputy Terminated After Altercation with Teens
Former Deputy Terminated for Inappropriate Conduct
Sheriff’s Deputy Fired After Confronting Teens with Gun

Additional Resources

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