Hilton Head, October 6, 2025
News Summary
A Beaufort County Sheriff’s Deputy, Master Sergeant William “Billy” Squires, has been fired after a disturbing incident where he pointed a gun at three teenagers. The internal investigation revealed violations of the agency’s code of conduct, including possible alcohol influence and unlawful use of force. The community has expressed outrage, prompting ongoing investigations and calls for accountability. The sheriff’s office is seeking to revoke Squires’ law enforcement certification as the investigation continues.
Hilton Head Island
A Beaufort County Sheriff’s Deputy, Master Sergeant William “Billy” Squires, has been terminated from his position following a disturbing incident where he pointed a gun at three teenagers in a Hilton Head Island neighborhood on September 28, 2025. This decision comes after an internal investigation found that Squires violated the agency’s code of conduct and several policies.
Sheriff PJ Tanner condemned the incident as “appalling” and stated that Squires may have been under the influence of alcohol during the confrontation. Notably, Squires refused to take a breathalyzer test when requested by responding deputies, which subsequently led to his suspension without pay.
The investigation into the incident continues, with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) also looking into the possibility of criminal charges against Squires. In the course of the internal investigation, Squires admitted to consuming alcohol, although he initially denied being under its influence during his interaction with the teenagers.
Authorities identified several policy violations in Squires’s conduct, including insubordination and the unlawful use of force. The sheriff’s office also noted Squires’s failure to conduct himself professionally and to communicate adequately regarding the incident.
The incident has sparked significant community outrage, particularly following the circulation of videos on social media that depict Squires’ actions. The sheriff emphasized that deputies are expected to uphold a higher standard of conduct, both while on duty and when off duty.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the sheriff’s office has requested that the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy revoke Squires’ law enforcement certification. Additionally, witnesses and anyone with video footage from the incident are being encouraged to come forward to assist with the investigations. Once the findings are complete, they will be sent to the solicitor’s office to decide whether charges will be filed against Squires.
Background Context
The allegations against Squires come at a time when law enforcement agencies are under scrutiny for their conduct, particularly regarding the use of force and accountability. The national conversation surrounding police practices has seen increased community engagement, demanding transparency and justice in similar incidents. With this case drawing significant media attention and public concern, it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining trust and credibility within the communities they serve.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Deputy Involved | William “Billy” Squires, former Master Sergeant |
| Date of Incident | September 28, 2025 |
| Location | Hilton Head Island neighborhood |
| Charges/Violations | Code of conduct violations, insubordination, unlawful use of force |
| Substance Influence | Potential alcohol influence |
| Current Status | Terminated, under investigation |
| Community Response | Significant outrage, videos circulating on social media |
FAQ
What happened to the Beaufort County deputy?
Former Master Sergeant William “Billy” Squires was terminated from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office after an internal investigation.
Why was Squires fired?
The investigation concluded that Squires violated the agency’s code of conduct and several policies.
What did Squires do during the incident?
On September 28, 2025, Squires, off-duty and in Sheriff’s office gear, pointed a gun at three teenagers in a Hilton Head Island neighborhood.
Was Squires under the influence at the time of the incident?
Sheriff PJ Tanner confirmed that Squires may have been under the influence of alcohol during the confrontation.
What are the ongoing investigations into Squires?
An internal investigation, as well as a separate investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for potential criminal charges, is ongoing.
What policy violations were identified?
Other policy violations identified include insubordination, failure to conduct himself professionally, unlawful use of force, and failure to communicate appropriately regarding the incident.
What are the community’s reactions to the incident?
The incident garnered significant community outrage, especially after videos circulated on social media depicting Squires’ actions.
What is the status of Squires’ law enforcement certification?
The sheriff’s office has requested the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy to revoke Squires’ law enforcement certification.
What happens next in the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, and the findings will be sent to the solicitor’s office to determine if charges will be filed against Squires.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Fired
- Live 5 News: Deputy Fired for Violating Policy
- WJCL: Hilton Head Suspended Deputy Update
- Island Packet: Beaufort Sheriff Deputy Gun Incident
- WSAV: Suspended Deputy’s Name and History Revealed
- Wikipedia: Police Academy
- Google Search: Beaufort County Sheriff Office
- Google Scholar: Police Conduct Violations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Force
- Google News: Beaufort County Sheriff Incident
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.
