Hilton Head, South Carolina, October 16, 2025
News Summary
A federal lawsuit has been filed against the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and former Deputy Master Sgt. William ‘Billy’ Squires following an incident where Squires allegedly threatened local teenagers with a handgun while off-duty. Plaintiff Laquesha Habersham claims that Squires violated the teens’ rights and alleges false imprisonment and assault. The incident, captured on video, occurred in Hilton Head and led to Squires’ termination and a criminal investigation.
Hilton Head, South Carolina
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and former Deputy Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires are facing a lawsuit following an incident involving local teenagers. Laquesha Habersham, the mother of one of the boys involved, filed a federal lawsuit alleging that Squires threatened the teens with a handgun while off-duty on September 28, 2025. The lawsuit also includes five unidentified men as co-defendants for allegedly restraining the children during the confrontation.
Among the claims in the lawsuit are violations of unreasonable search and seizure protections, false imprisonment, as well as assault and battery. Habersham asserts that the sheriff’s office was negligent for employing Squires, who used department-issued equipment during the incident, and describes the event as a “shocking abuse of power” and a “brazen and unlawful incident.”
Squires, a 19-year veteran of the sheriff’s office, encountered a group of 14-year-old boys walking in the Squiresgate area of Hilton Head. Following an initial confrontation while riding an all-terrain vehicle, Squires returned wearing a sheriff’s tactical vest and pointed his gun at the teenagers. Videos of the incident, which were circulated publicly, capture Squires threatening to shoot one of the boys and engaging physically with them.
It was reported that Squires had consumed alcohol prior to the confrontation and refused a breathalyzer test when requested. Consequently, he was suspended without pay shortly after the incident and was fired within a week. In response to the event, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has initiated a criminal investigation into Squires’ actions.
The sheriff’s office has stated that no firearm was recovered at the scene, and reports indicate that Squires did not observe a weapon during the confrontation. Court documents indicate that Squires appeared “visibly intoxicated” during the event and drove a department-issued vehicle while allegedly under the influence. The lawsuit does not specify the amount of damages being sought by Habersham.
In light of this incident, Sheriff P.J. Tanner emphasized that law enforcement services are delivered equally across the county, irrespective of geographic location.
Background Context
This incident raises concerns about the enforcement practices of law enforcement officers, particularly emphasizing the need for accountability and oversight in the actions of law enforcement personnel. As public attention turns towards police conduct, the events involving Squires serve as a significant case highlighting potential failures within the system that protect and serve the community.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
The lawsuit will likely undergo various legal proceedings as both sides prepare for court. The outcome may set important precedents regarding the conduct of off-duty officers and their responsibilities to the public even when not actively in service.
FAQs
- What is the lawsuit about? The lawsuit claims that former Deputy Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires threatened a group of local teens with a handgun while off-duty on September 28, 2025.
- Who filed the lawsuit? The lawsuit was filed by Laquesha Habersham, the mother of one of the boys involved in the incident.
- What allegations are included in the lawsuit? The lawsuit includes allegations of unreasonable search and seizure, false imprisonment, and assault and battery.
- What was the role of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office? The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is named in the lawsuit, and Habersham claims it was negligent for employing Squires.
- What actions did Squires take during the incident? Squires confronted the boys while riding an all-terrain vehicle and subsequently threatened them with a handgun while wearing a sheriff’s tactical vest.
- What penalty did Squires face after the incident? Squires was suspended without pay shortly after the incident and was fired within a week.
- Has there been a criminal investigation? Yes, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has opened a criminal investigation into Squires’ actions.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | September 28, 2025 |
| Plaintiff | Laquesha Habersham |
| Defendant | William “Billy” Squires |
| Allegations | Unreasonable search and seizure, false imprisonment, assault and battery |
| Years of Service | 19 years |
| Type of Vehicle | All-terrain vehicle |
| Consequences for Squires | Suspended without pay, fired within a week |
| Investigation Started | South Carolina Law Enforcement Division |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Federal Lawsuit Filed After Gunpoint Incident in Hilton Head
Former Deputy Fired After Pointing Gun at Teens in Hilton Head
Deputy Fired After Unsettling Gun Incident with Teenagers in Hilton Head Island
Deputy Terminated After Pointing Gun at Teens in Hilton Head
Deputy Fired for Off-Duty Incident with Weapon
Deputy Fired for Brandishing Gun at Teenagers
Beaufort County Deputy Suspended After Confrontation with Teens
Off-Duty Deputy Suspended After Confrontation with Teens
Hilton Head Incident Involving Off-Duty Deputy Sparks Outrage
Beaufort County Deputy Suspended After Confrontation with Teens
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Beaufort Sheriff Deputy Hilton Head Gun Lawsuit
- Wikipedia: Police Brutality
- Island Packet: Hilton Head Incident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
- WTOC: HHI Town Council Lawsuit
- Google Search: Hilton Head Legal Accountability
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Politics
- Google Scholar: Police Accountability
- Island Packet: Law Enforcement Issues
- Google News: Beaufort County Sheriff Office
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.
