Hilton Head, October 1, 2025
News Summary
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident where an off-duty deputy was filmed confronting teenagers in a Hilton Head neighborhood. The deputy, who has been suspended without pay, pointed a gun at three boys during the altercation, which has prompted legal action from the teenagers’ families. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is conducting a separate investigation into potential criminal violations. The incident raises concerns about police conduct and community relations.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident involving an off-duty deputy in a Hilton Head neighborhood that garnered attention after a video surfaced of a confrontation with several teenagers. The incident occurred on Sunday at approximately 6:47 p.m., following reports of a disturbance in the area.
The deputy involved was off-duty at the time of the incident and has since been suspended without pay. Authorities have relieved him of his credentials, badge, and all sheriff’s office-issued weapons and equipment. A command staff member of the sheriff’s office executed this suspension shortly after the initial reports came in.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is conducting a separate investigation to determine if any criminal violations occurred during the incident. Additionally, an Internal Affairs investigation is being carried out by the sheriff’s office to scrutinize the deputy’s conduct.
The video, which rapidly circulated on social media, depicts the deputy pointing a gun at three teenagers. In the footage, the deputy commands the boys to “get on the ground” while one of the teens requests someone to call the police, to which the deputy asserts, “I am the police.” There is a visible physical struggle captured in the video, during which the deputy attempts to take a backpack from the teens while his weapon is drawn.
According to some neighbors, the deputy was called to the scene, although the precise circumstances that led to this call remain unclear. Reports surfaced indicating that one of the minors was accused of possessing a gun during the incident.
Family members of the teenagers involved have acquired legal representation and plan to press charges against the deputy as the investigation unfolds. Eyewitnesses and individuals present during the confrontation suggested that the deputy might have been intoxicated; however, the sheriff’s office has not confirmed this assertion.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that their deputies are expected to maintain a higher standard of conduct, both on and off duty. As of now, the identity of the deputy involved has not been disclosed, but officials have indicated that it will be made public at a later time. The sheriff’s office is actively encouraging any witnesses or individuals who have relevant videos to reach out to the assigned Internal Affairs Investigator.
Background Context
This incident comes at a time when law enforcement agencies across the country are facing heightened scrutiny regarding their interactions with the public. As such, the consequences of this event could have significant implications for the deputy involved and the wider community policing practices in Beaufort County.
Summary of Incident
| Incident Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Confrontation involving an off-duty deputy and teenagers |
| Time and Date | Sunday, approximately 6:47 p.m. |
| Response by Authorities | Suspension without pay and investigation launched |
| Involved Agency | South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) |
| Outcome for Deputy | Relieved of credentials and equipment |
| Legal Actions | Family members seek to press charges |
| Social Media Reaction | Video of incident widely shared |
FAQs
What happened during the incident involving the deputy?
The incident involved a video that shows the deputy pointing a gun at three teenagers and ordering them to “get on the ground.” One of the boys is heard asking for someone to call the police.
What actions have been taken against the deputy?
The deputy has been suspended without pay and relieved of his credentials, badge, and sheriff’s office-issued weapons and equipment.
Who is investigating the incident?
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating for potential criminal violations, and an Internal Affairs investigation is also underway by the sheriff’s office.
Have the family members of the teenagers taken any legal action?
Yes, family members of the teens have sought legal representation and intend to press charges against the deputy.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Safety Concerns Surge at Beaufort’s Cross Creek Shopping Plaza
Internal Investigation Launched After Deputy Draws Gun on Teens
Community Outrage in Hilton Head Island Over Sheriff Deputy’s Confrontation with Teens
Off-Duty Deputy Suspended for Gun Incident with Teenagers
Beaufort County Deputy Suspended After Gun Incident
Deputy Suspended After Confrontation with Teens
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Tragic Accident Claims Life of Wrecker Service Employee
Wrecker Operator Killed in Tragic Truck Incident
Pedestrian Killed in Hilton Head Island Truck Accident
Additional Resources
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island Deputy Suspended
- Wikipedia: Police Misconduct
- WTOC: Beaufort Co. Sheriff’s Office Deputy Suspended
- Google Search: Beaufort County deputy suspended
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Deputy Suspended
- Google Scholar: Beaufort County deputy incident
- WSAV: BCSO Releases Statement Following Incident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
- WYFF: Beaufort County Deputy Suspended for Gun Incident
- Google News: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office
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.
