Hilton Head Island, October 2, 2025
News Summary
A Beaufort County deputy has been suspended without pay for drawing his firearm on a group of teenagers in Hilton Head Island’s Squiresgate neighborhood. The incident began with a verbal confrontation between the deputy and the teens, which escalated dangerously as the deputy ordered them to the ground while pointing his gun. Ongoing investigations by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and internal affairs are examining the appropriateness of the deputy’s actions. The local sheriff’s office urges anyone with information to come forward.
Hilton Head Island – An off-duty Beaufort County deputy has been suspended without pay following a grave incident where he drew his gun on a group of teenagers in the Squiresgate neighborhood on Sunday night. The deputy, whose identity has yet to be disclosed by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, has also been stripped of all credentials, badge, and issued weapons as investigations proceed into his actions during the encounter.
The incident escalated after a confrontation between the deputy and the teens, captured in two separate videos shared by a family member of one of the minors involved. The altercation reportedly began as a verbal exchange when the deputy, who was off-duty at the time, confronted the teenagers walking in the private community.
In the initial video, a man on a four-wheeler was shown engaging with the teens, who responded by asserting their right to walk freely without disclosing their residence. As tensions rose, the boys reportedly used vulgar language during their interaction with the deputy, who subsequently questioned them about the potential for arrest.
During this initial encounter, the deputy declared, “You don’t live here,” to which a teen rebutted, claiming to live in a neighboring community. Despite the deputy stating he was on their side, the youths maintained that they did not require assistance. However, the situation took a dangerous turn when the deputy returned with his firearm drawn and demanded the teens get on the ground.
One of the videos captured the moment when the deputy ordered the minors to comply while pointing his weapon at them. A physical confrontation ensued, during which one of the teens pushed the deputy away from another peer, who was being forcibly handled. At one point, the deputy threatened to shoot one of the teenagers, prompting a scream for maternal assistance from one of the minors involved.
Following the incident, which occurred shortly after 6:45 p.m., law enforcement responded to reports of a disturbance in the area. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that investigations are currently underway, with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) leading the criminal investigation for any potential violations. Additionally, an internal investigation is being conducted, requiring multiple interviews before reaching a conclusion.
While the sheriff’s office has not provided further comments due to the ongoing investigations, they have invited anyone with additional information or video evidence to assist authorities. According to BCSO policies and procedures, deputies are held to a higher standard, regardless of whether they are on or off duty. The families involved in the incident have chosen to refrain from making public statements as investigations continue.
Context of the Incident
It is essential to understand the ramifications of law enforcement behavior in social situations, particularly when they occur outside of normal duty hours. Officers are expected to maintain professionalism at all times, with a heightened obligation to act appropriately, especially in community interactions. The implications of this incident raise serious questions about protocol and accountability within the law enforcement community.
Ongoing Investigations
Both the criminal and internal investigations will be vital in determining the appropriateness of the deputy’s actions and assessing any necessary corrective measures. As public scrutiny grows, the sheriff’s office has underscored the importance of thorough and unbiased investigations into the matters at hand.
Summary of Key Facts
- Incident: Off-duty deputy pulled gun on teens
- Location: Squiresgate neighborhood, Hilton Head Island
- Time of incident: Shortly after 6:45 p.m. on Sunday
- Investigation: Conducted by SLED and internal affairs
- Deputy Status: Suspended without pay, credentials revoked
- Teens: Engaged in verbal exchanges, escalated to physical confrontation
- Call for witnesses: Sheriff’s office invites any with information to come forward
FAQ
What led to the incident involving the deputy and teens in Hilton Head Island?
What actions have the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office taken regarding the deputy?
Is there an ongoing investigation into the incident?
How have the families involved responded to the incident?
Incident Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Squiresgate neighborhood, Hilton Head Island |
| Time of Incident | Shortly after 6:45 p.m. |
| Deputy Status | Suspended without pay; stripped of credentials and weapon |
| Investigation Bodies | South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and internal investigation by BCSO |
| Community Response | Families have declined public comments; request for additional information and videos issued by BCSO |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: New Videos Show Moments Before Deputy Incident Beaufort County
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island Deputy Suspended
- ABC News 4: Beaufort County Deputy Suspended
- Island Packet: Incident Involving Off-Duty Deputy Under Investigation
- ABC 7: South Carolina Deputy Suspended for Drawing Gun on Teens
- Google Search: Law Enforcement Accountability
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.
