Off-Duty Deputy Suspended After Gun Incident with Teens

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, September 30, 2025

News Summary

An off-duty deputy from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office in Hilton Head Island has been suspended without pay after pointing a gun at several teenagers. The incident, recorded on video, took place in the Squiresgate neighborhood and escalated when the deputy demanded a backpack from one of the boys. The deputy is under investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division while an internal review is also being conducted by the sheriff’s office. Residents are urged to come forward with any additional information regarding the incident.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – An off-duty deputy from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has been suspended without pay following an incident in which he pointed a gun at several teenagers. The event occurred on September 28, 2025, around 6:47 PM in the Squiresgate neighborhood of Hilton Head Island, resulting in immediate action from the sheriff’s office.

The identity of the deputy has not yet been disclosed, but he has been relieved of all law enforcement credentials, badges, and issued weapons following the incident. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that its deputies are held to a higher standard of conduct, both on and off duty.

An 84-second video circulating on social media shows the deputy brandishing a gun at at least four male teens. The video captures the deputy yelling out commands such as “Get on the ground” and “Come here.” In a moment captured on tape, one of the teens asks for the deputy to “call the cops,” to which the deputy responds, “I am the police.”

The confrontation escalated when the deputy attempted to retrieve a backpack that belonged to one of the boys, leading to a physical scuffle. During this altercation, the deputy threatened to shoot, stating, “I will shoot you,” while still pointing his handgun at the teens. Meanwhile, another teenager present recorded the incident and can be heard pleading for help and calling for his mother multiple times.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been requested to investigate the incident for possible criminal violations. Simultaneously, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is conducting its own internal investigation, which may take a considerable amount of time due to the need for interviews with multiple witnesses. The investigation by SLED is ongoing and will progress alongside the internal review.

The sheriff’s office has indicated that the name of the deputy involved will be released at a future point in time. Nearby residents have expressed confusion regarding the events that prompted the deputy’s actions, noting that he had been called to the scene by another individual.

Officials are encouraging anyone with additional information or video footage related to the incident to come forward and contact Lieutenant Draisen, the assigned Internal Affairs investigator.

Key Points

• Incident occurred on September 28, 2025, in Hilton Head Island.
• Off-duty deputy pointed gun at teens and has been suspended without pay.
• Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office emphasized a higher standard of conduct for deputies.
• Video footage shows the confrontation between the deputy and the teenagers.
• SLED is investigating for possible criminal violations while the sheriff’s office conducts an internal review.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• WTOC: Beaufort Co. Sheriff’s Office Deputy Suspended
• Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
• Island Packet: Deputy Suspended
• Google Search: Beaufort County Sheriff
• ABC News 4: Beaufort County Deputy Suspended
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
• Live 5 News: Beaufort County Deputy Suspended
• Google News: Beaufort County Deputy Suspended
• WJCL: Hilton Head Island Deputy Suspended
• Google Scholar: Police Misconduct

Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD

The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.