Hilton Head Island, October 1, 2025
News Summary
An off-duty sheriff’s deputy on Hilton Head Island has been suspended and is under investigation after he was filmed pointing a gun at four teenage boys. The incident escalated after initial confrontations with the boys who were walking in the Squiresgate neighborhood, raising serious community concerns. The deputy’s actions are being scrutinized amid discussions about policing practices and potential legal action from the boys’ families who claim an abuse of authority.
Hilton Head Island – An off-duty sheriff’s deputy has been suspended and is under investigation after a video surfaced showing him pointing a gun at four teenage boys in the Squiresgate neighborhood on Hilton Head Island. The incident, which has since gone viral, took place on Sunday evening and has raised significant safety and accountability concerns within the community.
According to reports, the situation unfolded when three 14-year-old boys were walking in the neighborhood. They were first confronted by a neighbor who was riding an ATV. This initial encounter escalated when the off-duty deputy, dressed in khaki shorts and slip-on shoes, later confronted the boys from his truck after they refused to leave the area.
The deputy reportedly warned the teenagers that they could be arrested if they did not comply with his instructions. In a concerning turn of events, the deputy returned to his home, put on a sheriff’s vest, and holstered his service weapon before confronting the boys again, this time with his gun drawn. He ordered the boys to the ground and allegedly threatened to shoot them.
Footage captured during the incident shows the deputy physically struggling with two of the boys while trying to seize a black backpack. Following the confrontation, there were claims from some neighborhood residents that one of the teenagers might have been armed. However, local police conducted a search and found no firearms present. Relatives of the teenagers have denied any rumors suggesting that a gun was involved.
In response to the incident, the deputy was suspended without pay and stripped of his badge and service weapon. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has announced that both an internal investigation and a criminal investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division are underway.
The deputy has been a member of the sheriff’s office since 2006 and had a clean history with no prior disciplinary issues recorded in his personnel file. Witnesses reported mixed opinions regarding the deputy’s actions—some expressed support for him due to ongoing troubles with local teenagers in the area. Concerns regarding disturbances caused by teens had been voiced by neighbors prior to this incident, which raises questions about the deputy’s motivations for his actions.
The families of the boys involved are currently consulting with attorneys and are contemplating possible legal action against the deputy, citing what they describe as an “abuse of authority.” This incident has also sparked broader discussions within the community about policing practices, safety, and the racial dynamics at play, considering the diverse ethnic backgrounds of the boys involved.
The timeline of the events indicates a rapid escalation, with initially concerned neighbors trying to assist in restraining the boys until police reinforcements arrived. As the investigation continues, many in Hilton Head Island await the outcomes of the ongoing inquiries and the implications for community safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the incident involving the off-duty deputy?
The incident was triggered when three 14-year-old boys were walking through the Squiresgate neighborhood and were confronted by a neighbor on an ATV, which escalated to the off-duty deputy pointing a gun at them.
What actions did the deputy take during the confrontation?
The deputy confronted the boys from his truck, warned them they could be arrested, then returned home to put on a sheriff’s vest before re-engaging with his gun drawn, ordering the boys to the ground, and attempting to seize a backpack.
What is the current status of the deputy?
Following the incident, the deputy was suspended without pay and stripped of his badge and service weapon. An internal investigation and a criminal investigation have been initiated.
Are there any legal actions being considered by the families involved?
Yes, the families of the boys are consulting with attorneys and considering potential legal action against the deputy for what they claim is an “abuse of authority.”
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Squiresgate neighborhood, Hilton Head Island |
| Date | Sunday evening |
| Individuals Involved | Three 14-year-old boys, one off-duty sheriff’s deputy |
| Deputy’s Actions | Confronted boys, drew gun, threatened to shoot |
| Status of Deputy | Suspended without pay, under investigation |
| Community Response | Concerns over safety, potential legal action from families |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort County Deputy Suspended After Disturbing Incident
Off-Duty Deputy Suspended After Gun Incident with Teens
Off-Duty Deputy Suspended After Disturbance in Hilton Head
Beaufort County Deputy Suspended for Drawing Weapon on Boys
Suspended Beaufort County Deputy Draws Gun on Boys in Hilton Head
Deputy Suspended After Gun Incident with Teenagers
South Carolina Deputy Killed in Ambush During Arrest
Tragic Shooting in Wando Claims Life of Local Teen
Tragedy Strikes Greenville as Officers Fatally Shoot Woman
Additional Resources
- News Break: South Carolina Deputy Suspended
- Wikipedia: Police Brutality
- Newsweek: Deputy Points Gun at Teens
- Google Search: Police Accountability
- CNN: Police Confrontation with Teenagers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
- NBC News: Deputy Suspended After Pointing Gun
- Google News: Police Conduct
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.
