October 4, 2025

Beaufort Deputy Fired After Pointing Gun at Teenagers

Beaufort, SC, October 4, 2025

News Summary

A Beaufort County deputy was terminated after pointing his firearm at teenagers during an incident in Hilton Head. The internal investigation revealed multiple policy violations, including insubordination. The deputy refused a breathalyzer test, leading to repercussions including suspension and dismissal. Public outrage followed the incident, prompting discussions about police conduct and community trust. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is conducting an investigation to determine if any criminal violations occurred.

Beaufort, SC

A deputy with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office was fired after a significant incident involving the pointed use of his firearm towards teenagers. Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires, a nearly 20-year veteran of the department, was terminated on October 3, 2025, following an internal investigation that identified multiple policy violations, including insubordination.

The disciplinary action stemmed from an event on September 28, where Squires was recorded pointing his department-issued weapon at a group of teenagers in a Hilton Head neighborhood. This alarming behavior was captured on video and circulated on social media, leading to widespread public outrage and raising serious concerns about safety and appropriate police actions against minors.

Concerns regarding Squires’ state of sobriety prompted Sheriff P.J. Tanner to mandate a breathalyzer test after the incident; however, Squires refused to participate in the testing process. This refusal resulted in his suspension without pay and ultimately led to his dismissal from the force. During the incident, Squires was stripped of his badge, service weapon, and patrol vehicle. Although he declined the breathalyzer, he later acknowledged consuming alcohol prior to the confrontation.

The circumstances triggered an immediate internal investigation and an inquiry by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to determine potential criminal violations. Findings from SLED are expected to be delivered to the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office within one week following Squires’ termination. Investigators from the Regional Public Integrity Unit are set to assess whether criminal charges are warranted once their probe is finalized.

Squires’ personnel records prior to this incident were largely unblemished, with only a few minor car collisions and one internal investigation that occurred in 2016, which was ultimately deemed unfounded. A separate review related to a 2021 complaint regarding allegations of excessive force found no violations of department policy.

Additionally, Squires’ law enforcement certification has been referred to the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy for possible revocation, although he retains the right to appeal this decision. Sheriff Tanner expressed extreme disapproval upon viewing the video evidence showcasing Squires’ actions during the incident. Notably, while Squires was equipped with a body camera at that time, it was not activated, which has raised additional questions regarding transparency and accountability.

The confrontation reportedly featured Squires yelling at the minors to get on the ground, prompting visible fear among the teenagers as they shouted for help. The incident has drawn significant concern from parents and community members, many of whom believe that the disciplinary actions taken against the deputy are insufficient given the severity of his actions. The community has expressed ongoing issues regarding disturbances caused by teenagers in the neighborhood.

This incident has sparked broader discussions surrounding policing practices, particularly in terms of interactions with children. In response, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has encouraged any individuals with additional information or video footage to come forward. The internal investigation, alongside the SLED investigation, is anticipated to take time as numerous witnesses and involved parties must be interviewed.

Key Details

Deputy Termination Date: October 3, 2025
Incident Date: September 28, 2025
Years of Service: Nearly 20 years
Internal Investigation Outcomes: Multiple policy violations found
SLED Investigation: Ongoing, findings expected within a week
Certification Status: Referred for possible revocation

Background Context

The incident involving Squires has highlighted critical issues regarding police conduct and community trust. In light of this event, local authorities are aiming to restore community confidence and ensure the safety of all residents, especially minors, as they navigate ongoing concerns about interactions between law enforcement and youth.

FAQ

What led to the termination of Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires?

Squires was terminated following an internal affairs investigation that revealed multiple policy violations, including insubordination.

What specific actions did Squires take during the incident?

Squires pointed a department-issued weapon at teenagers in a Hilton Head neighborhood and yelled at them to get on the ground.

What was Squires’ response when asked to take a breathalyzer test?

Squires refused the breathalyzer test, leading to his suspension without pay and subsequent termination.

What follow-up actions were taken after Squires’ termination?

SLED is conducting an investigation into the incident for potential criminal violations, with findings expected to be conveyed to the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

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.

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.

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