Hilton Head Island, SC, September 30, 2025
News Summary
A Beaufort County deputy has been suspended following the release of a video showing him drawing a firearm on juveniles while off duty. The BCSO announced the suspension amid an internal investigation that may also involve criminal inquiries. The video, which went viral, captures the chaos of the confrontation, raising concerns about the deputy’s conduct. A third juvenile intervened, prompting threats from the deputy, and the BCSO has requested assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division for a thorough investigation.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – An unidentified deputy with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has been suspended following the release of a disturbing Facebook video that shows the off-duty officer pointing a firearm at what appear to be juveniles. The suspension was announced by BCSO as part of a broader internal investigation that could lead to criminal inquiries.
The 90-second video was posted late Sunday night and depicts the deputy, who is described as heavyset, rushing toward two young people with his gun drawn. In the footage, the deputy is dressed in a black shirt and duty vest with BCSO patches, white shorts, and Hey Dude slip-on shoes. The incident reportedly took place near a street sign for Squiresgate Road on Hilton Head Island and occurred around 6:47 p.m. on September 28, 2025.
During the confrontation, the deputy shouted commands such as “Get on the ground!” and “Come here! You see?” while visibly brandishing his weapon. He declared, “I am the police,” and forced the teens onto their knees in the street while attempting to take a backpack from them. When one of the juveniles reached for the bag, the deputy reacted by grabbing the youth’s arm and kicking at his legs, leading to further escalation.
A third juvenile intervened, which prompted the deputy to threaten, “I will shoot you.” The video captures the panic of the teens, with frantic screams for help heard throughout. One boy filming the incident could be heard continuously calling out for his mother, revealing the distress of the situation. A distant scream, presumably from the first teen targeted by the deputy, can also be heard off camera.
After the incident, the deputy was suspended without pay and stripped of all credentials, badge, weapons, and equipment by a BCSO command staff member present at the scene. BCSO officials indicated that the investigation could be lengthy, as it would involve multiple interviews and reviews of the video evidence.
To ensure a thorough examination of the situation, BCSO has asked the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to investigate for any possible criminal violations. This investigation will run parallel to the internal probe conducted by BCSO. The findings from SLED will ultimately be sent to the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office under Duffie Stone for decisions regarding potential charges. The public corruption unit will review the findings to determine whether further action is warranted.
BCSO emphasized the importance of compliance with all policies and procedures by its deputies, whether on or off duty. As the investigation unfolds, BCSO has requested anyone with information or additional video footage related to the incident to contact their internal affairs investigator, Lieutenant Draisen.
As the circumstances continue to develop, the BCSO has pledged to update the public with future information regarding the ongoing investigation.
FAQ
What prompted the suspension of the Beaufort County deputy?
An unidentified deputy with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office was suspended after a Facebook video surfaced showing him pointing a firearm at juveniles while off duty.
What does the video depict?
The video depicts the deputy rushing towards two young people with his gun drawn, shouting commands, and forcibly attempting to take a backpack from them.
What actions did the BCSO take following the incident?
The BCSO suspended the deputy without pay, stripped him of credentials and equipment, and initiated an internal investigation while also requesting SLED to conduct a criminal investigation.
How can the public contribute information regarding the incident?
Anyone with information or videos related to the incident is requested to share them with BCSO’s internal affairs investigator, Lieutenant Draisen.
Key Incident Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | September 28, 2025 |
| Time of Incident | 6:47 PM |
| Location | Squiresgate Road, Hilton Head Island, SC |
| Video Publication | Late Sunday Night |
| Deputy Status | Suspended without pay |
| Investigating Body | South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) |
| Approval for Criminal Charges | 14th Circuit Solicitor Duffie Stone’s Office |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Leadership Transition in USCB Athletics Department
Man Sentenced for DUI Crash that Killed Passenger
Hilton Head Island Man Arrested for Convenience Store Beating
Additional Resources
- WToc News
- Wikipedia: Police Brutality
- Live 5 News
- Google Search: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office incident
- Island Packet
- Google Scholar: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office investigation
- WJCL News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Conduct
- Post and Courier
- Google News: Beaufort County deputy suspended
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.
