October 1, 2025

Deputy Suspended After Confrontation with Teens

Hilton Head, October 1, 2025

News Summary

A deputy from Beaufort County has been suspended after a viral video captured him threatening three teenagers with a gun in Hilton Head. The incident sparked investigations and community outrage regarding police conduct. Neighbors intervened, claiming excessive force was used during the confrontation. The deputy, with no prior disciplinary actions, is under scrutiny by law enforcement. Families of the teens are considering legal action against him, raising concerns about police interactions with minors in residential areas.

Hilton Head deputy suspended after viral video confrontation with teens

A Beaufort County sheriff’s deputy, Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires, has been suspended without pay following an incident captured on video in a Hilton Head neighborhood on September 28, 2025. The deputy reportedly pointed a gun at several teenagers and threatened to shoot them during the confrontation. In response, both the Beaufort County sheriff’s office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) are investigating the incident.

The deputy has not been officially identified by law enforcement agencies until now, though public records reveal his address in the Squiresgate area where the incident occurred. The confrontation started around 6:30 PM when a group of three 14-year-old boys was walking through the Squiresgate neighborhood, which is considered a private residential community without a gate, making the roads public.

A man on an ATV initiated contact with the boys, questioning them about where they lived. Following a brief argument, he rode away. Afterward, the off-duty deputy drove past the boys in a white pickup truck, warning them to leave the area and claiming they did not belong there. The deputy later returned to the scene dressed in a sheriff’s tactical vest, drawing his weapon and ordering the boys to get on the ground.

The viral video shows the deputy yelling at the boys, “I will shoot you,” as he struggled to take a backpack from one of them. Neighbors observed the deputy’s actions and intervened, holding the boys down while they yelled for help, claiming that one of the teens had a gun—an accusation that was later proved false. This incident has provoked outrage and deep concerns within the Hilton Head community regarding police conduct and racial implications, as the teens involved included a Black boy, a Hispanic boy, and a white boy.

Relatives of the boys have expressed intentions to seek legal counsel and consider filing a lawsuit against the deputy. The deputy has been relieved of his badge, service weapon, and credentials; he has no prior disciplinary actions in his personnel file since joining the department in 2006. Following this incident, the Beaufort County sheriff’s office announced that its Internal Affairs division and SLED would work together to evaluate the actions of the deputy.

Public reaction has been divided, with some community members defending the deputy’s actions based on alleged past trouble from local teens, while others criticized the excessive use of force against minors.

Key Details of the Incident

Date of Incident: September 28, 2025

Location: Squiresgate neighborhood, Hilton Head

Individuals Involved: Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires (Deputy) and three 14-year-old boys

Investigation: Beaufort County sheriff’s office and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)

Background

The current situation raises significant questions about police encounters with minors, particularly in communities where tensions exist. The incident has garnered attention for its implications related to law enforcement practices and the interactions that can occur in residential neighborhoods. The ongoing investigation will likely examine the appropriateness of the deputy’s actions, community standards, and the expectations of law enforcement officials in handling such situations.

FAQ

Who is the deputy involved in the incident?

The deputy involved in the incident is Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires.

What happened during the confrontation?

The deputy pointed a gun at several teenagers and threatened to shoot them during the confrontation.

What is being done in response to the incident?

Both the Beaufort County sheriff’s office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) are investigating the incident.

How has the community reacted?

Public reaction has been divided, with some community members defending the deputy’s actions while others criticized the excessive use of force against minors.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Tragic Shooting in Wando Claims Life of Local Teen

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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