Hilton Head, October 4, 2025
News Summary
A Beaufort County deputy has been fired after he drew his weapon on a group of teenagers while off-duty in Hilton Head. The incident raised serious concerns regarding law enforcement conduct and policy violations, including being under the influence of alcohol. Sheriff P.J. Tanner announced the deputy’s termination and is seeking the revocation of his law enforcement certification. The ongoing investigation by SLED may lead to further charges against the deputy, as community concerns about law enforcement behavior escalate.
Hilton Head, South Carolina – The Beaufort County Sheriff has confirmed the termination of Deputy William “Billy” Squires following an alarming incident caught on camera where he pointed a gun at a group of teenagers while off-duty. This event took place over the weekend in a neighborhood in Hilton Head and has raised serious concerns about law enforcement conduct.
Sheriff P.J. Tanner announced the deputy’s firing on Friday morning after conducting internal investigations that revealed multiple policy violations. The sheriff’s office is additionally seeking the revocation of Squires’ state law enforcement certification from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.
The investigation found that Squires committed several infractions, including insubordination for refusing to submit to a DataMaster (breathalyzer) test as alcohol was suspected at the time of the incident. It has been confirmed that he was under the influence of alcohol, which played a significant role in his impaired judgment. During the neighborhood dispute, there was no clear threat of bodily harm, yet Squires attempted to unlawfully arrest the youths involved.
The sheriff highlighted the importance of officers not policing their own neighborhoods, particularly when under the influence of alcohol. In addition to his decision to brandish a firearm, Squires also violated the sheriff’s office’s firearms policy by consuming alcohol while armed. He failed to communicate with the communications center regarding the incident and neglected to activate his body-worn camera when responding.
The video of the interaction has gained considerable attention, with Sheriff Tanner describing it as “appalling” and acknowledging that it may come as a shock to local citizens. The sheriff’s office has stated that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident which may lead to further criminal charges against Squires.
Squires had a lengthy career spanning 19 years within the sheriff’s office and reportedly had few prior incidents documented in his personnel file. Sheriff Tanner, who personally hired Squires in 2005, expressed shock over the incident. He emphasized that all deputies, regardless of whether they are on or off duty, are expected to adhere to established policies at all times.
The incident has raised significant community concern, with the sheriff urging the public not to allow this event to tarnish the reputation of the sheriff’s department as a whole. An open investigation remains in effect, and the department has requested that any witnesses or individuals with evidence step forward to aid in the inquiries. It is noted that internal investigations may take an extended period due to the need to interview multiple individuals involved in the situation.
Incident Details:
- Date: Weekend prior to the announcement
- Location: Neighborhood in Hilton Head, South Carolina
- Action Taken: Deputy was fired, state certification revocation requested
Policy Violations by Squires:
- Refusal to submit to a DataMaster (breathalyzer) test
- Attempted unlawful arrest of youths
- Consumption of alcohol while armed
- Failure to communicate with the communications center
- Failure to activate body-worn camera
Community Impact:
- Significant concern over law enforcement conduct
- Ongoing investigation by SLED
- Request for witnesses to come forward
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Deputy Involved | William “Billy” Squires |
| Years of Service | 19 years |
| Incident Type | Off-duty conduct involving firearm |
| Key Violations | Alcohol use while armed, insubordination |
| Current Status | Fired, ongoing investigation |
FAQ
What did Deputy Squires do to warrant termination?
Deputy Squires was terminated for pointing a gun at youths while off-duty, being under the influence of alcohol, and several policy violations including insubordination and failure to communicate properly with law enforcement channels.
What are the specific policy violations committed by Squires?
Squires violated policies by refusing a breathalyzer test, attempting to unlawfully arrest youths, consuming alcohol while armed, failing to notify the communications center, and neglecting to activate his body-worn camera.
What are the next steps for Deputy Squires following this incident?
Following his termination, the sheriff’s office has requested the revocation of Squires’ law enforcement certification, and he may face additional criminal charges as the investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division continues.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Beaufort County Deputy Suspended After Gun Incident
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Deputy Fired for Multiple Policy Violations
- WTOC: Beaufort County Deputy Fired After Weekend Incident
- WJCL: Hilton Head Suspended Deputy Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Misconduct
- Google Search: Law Enforcement Policy Violations
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.
