Hilton Head Island, October 2, 2025
News Summary
A Beaufort County sheriff’s deputy has been suspended pending an investigation into an incident on Hilton Head Island, where he drew a firearm on a group of teens. The confrontation, which was filmed and circulated on social media, involved the deputy ordering the teens to the ground while threatening them. Responses from the community are divided, with concerns raised about both safety and the appropriateness of the deputy’s actions. Legal action is being considered by the families of the teens involved.
Hilton Head Island
A Beaufort County sheriff’s deputy has been suspended pending an internal investigation into an incident that occurred on Hilton Head Island. The incident involves a video that surfaced on social media showing the deputy drawing a firearm on a group of teens in the Squiresgate neighborhood.
The confrontation took place on Sunday, September 28, around 6:30 p.m. In the video, the deputy orders the teens to get down on the ground while pointing his gun at them. One of the teens is heard saying, “Call the police!” to which the deputy responds, “I am the police!” A brief physical altercation occurred during which the deputy struggled with two of the teens, one of whom can be seen and heard screaming for his mother during the confrontation.
Law enforcement remained on the scene until approximately 10 or 11 p.m. on the night of the incident. The deputy, whose name has not been disclosed, was suspended without pay and stripped of his badge and service weapon shortly after the incident. An internal investigation is underway to determine if the deputy’s actions violated departmental policies. Additionally, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has launched a criminal investigation into the incident at the request of the sheriff. Investigators will review whether criminal charges are appropriate once the investigation is complete.
The deputy has no prior disciplinary infractions in his personnel file since joining the sheriff’s office in 2006. The incident reportedly began when three 14-year-old boys were confronted by a neighbor on an ATV before being approached by the off-duty deputy. Video evidence shows the deputy engaging with the boys and threatening to arrest them for not identifying themselves as residents of the neighborhood. Claims were made by some neighbors that one of the teens was armed, but police later found no firearms on the boys, as confirmed by the teens’ families.
Community reaction has been divided, with some neighbors supporting the deputy for addressing perceived safety issues, while others expressed outrage at the force used against minors. The families of the teens are considering legal action against the deputy and his actions during the incident. A growing concern about safety and behavior of teenagers in the neighborhood has been raised by several residents, leading to debates about law enforcement’s role in community safety.
The deputy reportedly arrived at the scene in khaki shorts and slip-on shoes, after initially driving past the boys in a pickup truck without identifying himself as law enforcement. Before police reinforcements arrived, neighbors physically helped restrain the teens on the ground. Some neighbors defended the actions of the deputy, citing previous incidents of teenage disturbances in the area, while others, including the teens’ families, viewed the deputy’s use of force as an abuse of authority. The boys involved in the incident returned to school the following day, with their families regrouping to discuss the next steps, including the possibility of legal proceedings.
FAQ
What led to the suspension of the Beaufort County deputy?
A Beaufort County sheriff’s deputy has been suspended pending an internal investigation into an incident that occurred on Hilton Head Island involving a video that surfaced on social media showing the deputy drawing a firearm on a group of teens in the Squiresgate neighborhood.
When and where did the confrontation take place?
The confrontation took place on Sunday, September 28, around 6:30 p.m., in the Squiresgate neighborhood on Hilton Head Island.
What actions did the deputy take during the incident?
In the video, the deputy orders the teens to get down on the ground while pointing his gun at them and threatens to arrest them for not identifying themselves as residents of the neighborhood.
Are there any investigations ongoing related to the incident?
An internal investigation is underway to determine if the deputy’s actions violated departmental policies, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has launched a criminal investigation into the incident.
What was the community’s reaction to the deputy’s actions?
Community reaction has been divided, with some neighbors supporting the deputy and others expressing outrage at the force used against minors.
Key Features of the Incident
| Date | Time | Location | Deputy Status | Victims | Community Reaction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 28, 2023 | 6:30 PM | Squiresgate neighborhood, Hilton Head Island | Suspended without pay | Three 14-year-old boys | Divided opinions |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island Deputy Suspended
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- Island Packet: Local Crime News
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island deputy incident
- Live 5 News: Beaufort County Deputy Suspended
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- ABC News 4: Beaufort County Deputy Suspended
- Google News: Beaufort County deputy investigation
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.
