Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, October 17, 2025
News Summary
William P. Squires, a former Beaufort County Master Sergeant, faces a lawsuit after allegedly pointing a loaded pistol at unarmed teenagers while intoxicated. The incident, which took place during a neighborhood dispute, has raised serious concerns about Squires’ actions and the response from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. The ongoing investigation by SLED may lead to criminal charges, while the lawsuit seeks damages for alleged constitutional violations.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – A former Beaufort County Master Sergeant, William P. Squires, is facing a lawsuit after allegedly holding a group of unarmed teenagers at gunpoint while intoxicated. The lawsuit, filed by Laquesha L. Habersham on October 10, claims that the incident, which took place on September 28, 2025, involved Squires pointing a loaded pistol at the teenagers during a neighborhood dispute.
The lawsuit includes the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) and five unnamed individuals categorized as “John Does 1-5.” Allegations within the lawsuit assert that Squires not only threatened the teenagers with his service weapon but also enlisted local civilians to help detain them. According to the complaint, there was no clear indication of a threat that justified such actions, raising serious concerns about Squires’ behavior.
Following the incident, BCSO Sheriff P.J. Tanner announced on October 3 that Squires had been terminated from his position. His dismissal was due to several policy violations, including being armed while under the influence, a failure to activate his body camera, and unlawful attempts at arresting the teenagers involved.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is currently conducting an ongoing investigation to determine if criminal charges should be filed against Squires. The lawsuit includes claims of violations of constitutional rights under the Fourth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments, along with additional charges of gross negligence, false imprisonment, assault and battery, and reckless infliction of emotional distress against both Squires and the BCSO.
Habersham’s lawsuit seeks actual, consequential, and punitive damages, with a jury ultimately determining the amount. The BCSO has refrained from commenting on the ongoing litigation, and attempts to reach Squires for his perspective have been unsuccessful. Reports indicate that Squires refused to submit to a sobriety test after the event and initially provided inaccurate details to responding officers.
Notably, the alarming incident was captured on video, which circulated widely on social media, showing Squires aiming a firearm at the teenagers and directing comments at one individual who filmed the confrontation. During the encounter, at least one teenager was handcuffed, despite Squires claiming they had brandished a weapon—yet no firearm was recovered from the scene.
Legal Implications and Community Response
The implications of this case are significant, as it brings to light issues surrounding the conduct of law enforcement officials and the use of firearms. The BCSO has been put in a position to address concerns regarding officers’ behavior, especially in sensitive situations involving minors. The outcome of the ongoing investigation and the lawsuit could influence policies and procedures related to officer conduct and community interactions in the future.
Background on Officer Conduct
Law enforcement agencies across the nation are under increasing scrutiny regarding officers’ actions off-duty and their responsibilities to the public, especially when safety and weapons are involved. Cases like this may prompt further discussions on appropriate conduct for officers, particularly in light of intoxication and the use of firearms in non-threatening situations.
Conclusion
This high-profile case continues to unfold, and its repercussions may extend beyond Hilton Head Island, impacting law enforcement practices statewide. Communities are left to ponder the balance between safety and the rights of individuals, especially in tense situations involving minors and intoxicated individuals with firearms.
FAQ Section
What date was the lawsuit filed?
The lawsuit was filed on October 10, 2025.
Who is the lawsuit against?
The lawsuit is against the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), ex-Master Sergeant William P. Squires, and five unnamed defendants referred to as “John Does 1-5.”
What are the allegations against William P. Squires?
The lawsuit alleges that on September 28, 2025, Squires held a loaded pistol at gunpoint against a group of unarmed teenagers while visibly intoxicated.
What actions did Squires take during the incident?
Squires allegedly enlisted neighborhood civilians to detain the teenagers while threatening them with his service weapon.
What has happened to Squires since the incident?
Squires was fired on October 3, 2025, due to violations of policy such as being armed while under the influence, failure to activate his body camera, and unlawful arrest attempts.
What is the status of the investigation into the incident?
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident for potential criminal charges.
What damages is the lawsuit seeking?
The lawsuit seeks actual, consequential, and punitive damages, with the amount to be determined by a jury.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | September 28, 2025 |
| Lawsuit Filed | October 10, 2025 |
| Parties Involved | William P. Squires, BCSO, Laquesha L. Habersham |
| Nature of Incident | Squires held a loaded pistol at gunpoint against unarmed teenagers while intoxicated |
| Policy Violations | Armed while under the influence, failure to activate body camera, unlawful arrest attempts |
| Ongoing Investigation | South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) |
| Claims in Lawsuit | Gross negligence, false imprisonment, assault and battery, reckless infliction of emotional distress |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Federal lawsuit filed against Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, fired Master Sergeant
- Wikipedia: Lawsuit
- WSAV: Lawsuit filed against fired Beaufort County deputy after viral altercation
- Google Search: Beaufort County Sheriff Department
- WJCL: Deputy lawsuit Hilton Head Island gun incident
- Google Scholar: Police conduct lawsuit
- Post and Courier: Beaufort sheriff deputy Hilton Head gun lawsuit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- Island Packet: Beaufort County crime news
- Google News: Beaufort County lawsuit
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.
