Hilton Head, October 5, 2025
News Summary
Deputy William Squires of Beaufort County has been terminated after pointing a gun at four teenagers while off-duty in Hilton Head. The sheriff confirmed multiple policy violations, including insubordination and failure to comply with a breathalyzer test. Squires’s actions, which included unlawfully detaining the teens, have prompted public outrage and raised concerns about law enforcement accountability in the community. The situation has also led to a requested revocation of his state law enforcement certification as investigations continue.
Hilton Head, South Carolina – The Beaufort County Sheriff confirmed the termination of Deputy William “Billy” Squires, following a controversial incident where he pointed a gun at four teenage boys while off-duty. The events that led to his firing occurred on September 28 in a Hilton Head neighborhood.
Squires, who was not in uniform but was wearing a tactical vest and carrying his service weapon, faced multiple policy violations which ultimately resulted in his dismissal on Friday morning. Sheriff P.J. Tanner stated that the decision was based on Squires’ insubordination and refusal to submit to a breathalyzer test after deputies suspected he might be under the influence of alcohol.
The sheriff’s office has requested the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy to revoke Squires’ state law enforcement certification due to his actions during the incident. Squires attempted to unlawfully detain and arrest the teenagers during a neighborhood dispute, lacking any legitimate threats of bodily injury or death. This behavior was highlighted as unprofessional, without public respect and cooperation, further prompting Sheriff Tanner’s decision.
Furthermore, Squires failed to activate his body-worn camera while acting in his capacity as an on-duty officer, nor did he report the incident to the appropriate communications center or duty supervisor. These infractions are part of a longstanding policy indicating that deputies should not police their own neighborhoods.
As video footage of the incident circulated widely online, it sparked public outrage and demands for accountability regarding law enforcement behavior. Sheriff Tanner, who hired Squires in 2005, expressed his dismay upon reviewing the video evidence. Although Squires had nearly 19 years of service with a relatively clean personnel file, the sheriff’s office suggested that there may be further consequences pending an ongoing investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Community concerns regarding law enforcement behavior and accountability have heightened following this incident. Sheriff Tanner conveyed hope that this troubling episode would not overshadow the efforts of the sheriff’s office to serve the community effectively and with integrity.
Additionally, SLED is currently conducting a separate investigation that may lead to possible criminal charges against Squires. The sheriff’s office is encouraging anyone with further information or more video evidence about the incident to come forward.
Key Policy Violations by William Squires
- Pointing a gun at teenagers without lawful grounds.
- Failure to comply with a breathalyzer test when suspected of alcohol influence.
- Inactivity in activating a body-worn camera during the incident.
- Not reporting the incident to the communications center or duty supervisor.
Background Context
This incident shines a light on the ongoing discussions around police accountability and the protocols that law enforcement officers must follow. The actions of Deputy Squires have raised serious questions about adherence to departmental standards and overall public trust in law enforcement officials.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What led to the termination of Deputy William Squires?
- Deputy William Squires was terminated following an incident on September 28 where he pointed a gun at four teenage boys while off-duty, violating multiple policies.
- What were the specific policy violations identified by Sheriff Tanner?
- The violations included insubordination, refusal to submit to a breathalyzer test, failure to activate his body-worn camera, and not reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities.
- What could happen next for Deputy Squires?
- The South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy has been asked to revoke his state law enforcement certification, and there may be additional consequences pending an investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
- How has the community responded to this incident?
- The incident caused public outrage and increased concerns about law enforcement behavior and accountability within the community.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Deputy’s Name | William “Billy” Squires |
| Incident Date | September 28 |
| Location | Hilton Head, SC |
| Key Violations | Pointing gun at teens, insubordination, failure to activate camera |
| Possible Consequences | Suspend certification, additional investigations |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Master Sgt. William Squires Fired After Gunpoint Incident
Deputy Terminated After Gun Incident In Hilton Head
Beaufort Deputy Fired After Pointing Gun at Teenagers
Beaufort County Deputy Fired After Gun Incident
Beaufort County Deputy Terminated for Gun Incident
Beaufort County Deputy Fired After Disturbing Incident
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Deputy Fired for Multiple Policy Violations
- WTOC: Beaufort County Deputy Fired Following Off-Duty Incident
- WJCL: Update on Hilton Head Suspended Deputy
- Google Search: Police Accountability
- Wikipedia: Police Accountability
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.
