Hilton Head, September 30, 2025
News Summary
An off-duty deputy in Hilton Head has been suspended following a disturbing incident where he allegedly aimed a firearm at a group of teenagers. The incident, reported to have occurred in a neighborhood, has sparked outrage and calls for justice from community members, particularly a grandmother advocating for the affected youth. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating potential criminal violations, while an internal investigation by the sheriff’s office is also underway to determine the deputy’s actions and accountability.
Hilton Head
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the suspension of an off-duty deputy following an alarming incident in a Hilton Head neighborhood. The event occurred on Sunday at approximately 6:47 p.m., leading to a rapid response by deputies who were alerted to reports of a disturbance.
According to Lt. Daniel Allen, the deputy in question was actively involved in this disturbance. Following the incident, he was suspended without pay and relieved of his credentials, badge, sheriff’s office-issued weapons, and other equipment by a member of the command staff.
Video footage circulating online seems to show the deputy aiming a firearm at a group of teenagers in the area. While the sheriff’s office has not confirmed a direct connection between the video and the deputy’s suspension, they have solicited the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to investigate any potential criminal violations that may have occurred during the incident. Additionally, an internal Administrative Investigation is currently underway, which may take time due to the necessity of interviewing multiple witnesses.
The results of the investigation conducted by SLED will be forwarded to the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office to determine whether any criminal charges against the deputy are warranted.
Community member Betty Habersham, a grandmother, has publicly expressed her distress over the situation, advocating for justice for the affected children. The deputy’s identity remains undisclosed and will be announced in the future.
Observers of the incident are advised that the video may contain graphic content and viewer discretion is strongly recommended. Those who might have additional footage or other evidence related to the incident have been encouraged to reach out to Internal Affairs Investigator Lt. Draisen at 843-255-3403 or via email.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has reiterated that deputies are held to a higher standard, expected to follow all agency policies and procedures, whether they are on or off duty. Reports indicate that during the event, the deputy ordered the teenagers to lie on the ground while displaying his firearm. Some of the teens reportedly reacted with shock, with one even pleading for someone to contact the police — to which the deputy reportedly responded, “I am the police.” The video evidence captures moments of a physical confrontation between the deputy and the teenagers, including instances where one teen pushed the deputy away.
Community Reactions
Neighbors expressed varied opinions about the circumstances that led to the incident. Some indicated that the deputy might have been called to address an ongoing disturbance prior to his engagement with the teenagers. However, the sheriff’s office has stated that further commentary will not be provided until the investigations have concluded.
Current Status
Investigations by both the sheriff’s office and SLED are ongoing, and the community remains alert following the incident. The outcomes of these investigations may hold significant implications for the deputy involved and the broader context of law enforcement conduct in the area.
FAQ Section
What was the incident involving the deputy in Hilton Head?
The incident involved an off-duty deputy drawing a firearm on a group of teenagers in a neighborhood, which led to his suspension without pay.
What actions were taken against the deputy after the incident?
The deputy was suspended without pay, relieved of his credentials, badge, sheriff’s office-issued weapons, and equipment.
Is there an ongoing investigation?
Yes, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating for possible criminal violations, and an internal Administrative Investigation by the sheriff’s office is also underway.
How can people provide additional information about the incident?
Witnesses or anyone with video evidence of the incident are encouraged to contact Internal Affairs Investigator Lt. Draisen at 843-255-3403 or via email.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Hilton Head Neighborhood |
| Event Timing | Sunday at approximately 6:47 p.m. |
| Deputy Status | Suspended without pay |
| Video Evidence | Deputy appeared to draw a firearm on teenagers |
| Investigating Bodies | SLED and Internal Affairs |
| Civil Impact | Community concern and calls for justice |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Deputy Incident
Beaufort County Deputy Suspended for Drawing Weapon on Boys
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Hilton Head Island Man Arrested for Convenience Store Beating
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Clarifies Presidential Aspirations
Life Sentence for Nayquan Gadson in Hilton Head Murder Case
Hardeeville Man Sentenced to Life for Random Shooting
Injuries Reported in Greenville County SWAT Training Shooting
Additional Resources
- ABC News 4
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- Live 5 News
- Google Search: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office incident
- WTOC
- Google Scholar: law enforcement conduct
- WJCL
- Encyclopedia Britannica: law enforcement
- Island Packet
- Google News: Hilton Head deputy suspended
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