Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, October 3, 2025
News Summary
An off-duty deputy from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has been suspended after an incident in which he drew his weapon on three 14-year-old boys. The confrontation arose from a call about a disturbance in Hilton Head Island, triggering a physical struggle as the deputy attempted to seize a backpack from one of the teens. Although neighbors claimed the boys were armed, police reported no firearms were found, leading to ongoing investigations and discussions about police practices and community safety.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – An off-duty deputy with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has been suspended after drawing his gun on a group of three 14-year-old boys in a residential neighborhood. The incident, which quickly gained attention after a video of the encounter went viral, involved the deputy yelling, “Get on the ground!” at the teens.
The confrontation occurred while the deputy was responding to a call regarding a disturbance involving the boys and a neighbor on an ATV. The specific details leading to the initial altercation remain unclear. One of the teens reportedly yelled, “Call the police!” to which the deputy responded, “I am the police.”
The situation escalated when the deputy attempted to seize a black backpack from one of the boys, resulting in a physical struggle. During the scuffle, the deputy drew his gun again and threatened, “I will shoot you,” prompting the boys to scream for help in front of bystanders.
While some neighbors claimed that one of the teens had previously flashed a gun, police reports indicated that no firearms were found on the boys. As a result of the incident, the deputy’s name has not been publicly disclosed, and the identities of the minors involved have also been protected.
Families of the teenagers are reportedly considering legal action against the deputy. In light of the incident, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has suspended the deputy without pay and confiscated his badge and service weapon. An internal review is currently underway, along with a criminal investigation led by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
The incident has sparked a significant community response, with some residents expressing support for the deputy, citing ongoing issues with teen disturbances in the area. Conversely, there has been outrage among others who deem the deputy’s actions as excessive and unjustified. Residents have indicated increased safety concerns following the incident, resulting in some families opting to install alarm systems.
This encounter has inaugurated broader discussions about policing practices, community safety, and the treatment of minors by law enforcement. Notably, the deputy, who has been with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office since 2006, has no prior disciplinary infractions on record.
The incident continues to create divisions within the neighborhood concerning perspectives on the deputy’s actions and the ongoing challenges posed by local teens. As investigations proceed, the community remains on edge, grappling with the implications of this alarming event.
FAQ
What happened to the off-duty deputy in Hilton Head Island?
The deputy was suspended after drawing his gun on a group of three 14-year-old boys in a residential neighborhood.
Why did the deputy draw his gun on the teens?
The deputy was responding to a call regarding a disturbance involving the teens and a neighbor on an ATV.
Was there any evidence of a firearm found on the boys?
No firearms were found on the boys during the police investigation.
What are the implications for the deputy following the incident?
The deputy has been suspended without pay, and an internal investigation, along with a criminal investigation by SLED, is ongoing.
Have the families of the teens taken any action?
Yes, the families are reportedly considering legal action against the deputy.
What are the community reactions to the incident?
Community members are divided, with some supporting the deputy and others expressing outrage at his use of force.
Is there any history of disciplinary action against the deputy?
The deputy has no prior disciplinary infractions since joining the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office in 2006.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Hilton Head Island, South Carolina |
| Involved Parties | Off-duty deputy, three 14-year-old boys |
| Response to Incident | Deputy suspended without pay, internal and criminal investigations ongoing |
| Community Reaction | Divided opinions on deputy’s actions, increased safety concerns |
| Previous Record | No prior disciplinary infractions for the deputy |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hilton Head Incident Involving Off-Duty Deputy Sparks Outrage
Beaufort County Deputy Suspended After Confrontation with Teens
Off-Duty Deputy Suspended After Drawing Gun on Teens in Hilton Head
Deputy Suspended After Drawing Gun on Teens in Hilton Head
Beaufort County Deputy Suspended After Confrontation with Teens
Off-duty Deputy Suspended After Gun Incident with Teens
Off-Duty Deputy Suspended After Incident with Teens
Off-Duty Deputy Suspended After Confrontation with Teens
Beaufort Recognized as Most Charming Small City in SC
Beaufort County Deputy Suspended After Disturbing Incident
Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Police Brutality
- WTOC
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island deputy suspended
- ABC7
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
- NBC News
- Google News: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office 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.
