Hilton Head, S.C., area: Beaufort deputy fired

Hilton Head, S.C. — Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office leaders who cover the island fired a newly hired deputy Thursday after an internal affairs review tied to an off-duty domestic violence arrest.

Beaufort police arrested the deputy on Oct. 2 while he was off duty at an apartment complex in Beaufort. Jail records list a charge of third-degree domestic violence. The sheriff’s office first suspended him with pay while the review ran.

Officials said the deputy was hired July 27 and had recently been assigned to the northern patrol team while still in field training that required riding with an experienced deputy.

The internal review found policy violations and ended in termination. The criminal matter is separate and is being handled by prosecutors for the 14th Circuit.

Beaufort police said a gun was fired during the Oct. 2 encounter but have not publicly identified who fired it. Further scene details have not been released.

The sheriff’s office said it remains committed to professional conduct, accountability and maintaining the public’s trust across the county.