Hilton Head Island, October 8, 2025
News Summary
A Beaufort County Sheriff’s deputy has been terminated after a troubling incident involving the pointing of a gun at teenagers in Hilton Head Island’s Squiresgate neighborhood. Master Sergeant William Squires violated several policies during the altercation, which has sparked investigations and community outrage. Although the deputy responded to a report of a weapon, video evidence contradicted his claims about the situation. Residents are now divided over Squires’ actions and their implications for local law enforcement.
Hilton Head Island
A Beaufort County Sheriff’s deputy has been fired after an incident where he pointed a gun at a group of teenagers in the Squiresgate neighborhood of Hilton Head Island. The deputy, Master Sergeant William Squires, was terminated on a Friday for violating seven different policies, as confirmed by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred on September 28, 2025, when Squires responded to a report of teenagers allegedly drawing a gun. However, it remains unconfirmed if any weapon was found at the scene. Video footage, released by the family of one of the involved teenagers, shows Squires handcuffing one of the boys and stating to the boy’s mother that he would go to jail because the teen “hit a cop.”
During the altercation, the boys expressed their fear and distress, saying, “You pointed a gun at our face.” Following the incident, another Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrived and took the detained teenager to a patrol car. The teen was ultimately released after video evidence was reviewed, which contradicted Squires’ claims that a crime had occurred. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Squires refused to undergo a blood-alcohol content test when instructed, raising concerns about possible inebriation.
Sheriff PJ Tanner stated that Squires’ actions constituted insubordination, unprofessional conduct, and violations of firearms policies. He reminded that deputies are not allowed to police their own neighborhoods and emphasized the importance of remaining sober while in a law enforcement capacity. As a result of these violations, the Sheriff’s Office is seeking to revoke Squires’ state law enforcement certification.
Squires had served with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office for 19 years and had a relatively clean personnel file prior to this incident. However, Sheriff Tanner expressed his shock upon viewing the viral video of the incident, describing it as appalling. Both internal investigations and separate inquiries by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) into potential criminal charges against Squires are currently underway.
Residents of Hilton Head Island have expressed concerns over ongoing issues with disruptive behavior from teenagers in the neighborhood. While some acknowledge the need for action against such disturbances, others believe that Squires’ response was excessive given the circumstances. As a result of the incident and its public fallout, families associated with the involved teenagers are considering legal action against Squires.
Key Developments
- Master Sergeant William Squires fired for violating seven policies
- Incident involved deputies and local teenagers in Squiresgate neighborhood
- Video footage shows Squires putting a teenager in handcuffs
- Sheriff PJ Tanner addressing concerns over Squires’ actions
- Ongoing investigations by SLED and the Sheriff’s Office
- Residents divided on the appropriateness of Squires’ actions
Looking Ahead
With investigations in progress, the focus remains on accountability and ensuring the safety of all community members. The Sheriff’s Office underlines the implications of bad decisions made by deputies, reinforcing the standards expected from law enforcement personnel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to Master Sergeant William Squires’ termination?
He was fired for violating seven different policies during an incident where he pointed a gun at teenagers in Hilton Head Island.
He was fired for violating seven different policies during an incident where he pointed a gun at teenagers in Hilton Head Island.
What were the circumstances of the incident?
The incident involved teenagers allegedly drawing a gun, and Squires arrested one of the boys after a confrontation where he brandished his firearm.
The incident involved teenagers allegedly drawing a gun, and Squires arrested one of the boys after a confrontation where he brandished his firearm.
What actions are being taken regarding the investigation?
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating potential criminal charges against Squires, while the Sheriff’s Office conducts its own internal investigation.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating potential criminal charges against Squires, while the Sheriff’s Office conducts its own internal investigation.
What was the community reaction to the incident?
Residents expressed concerns over teenage disturbances, with some supporting Squires’ actions while others viewed them as excessive.
Residents expressed concerns over teenage disturbances, with some supporting Squires’ actions while others viewed them as excessive.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Deputy Involved | Master Sergeant William Squires |
| Incident Date | September 28, 2025 |
| Location | Squiresgate neighborhood, Hilton Head Island |
| Violations | Seven policy violations |
| Current Status | Terminated; under investigation |
| Public Response | Outrage and calls for accountability |
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Additional Resources
- WJCL: Hilton Head Suspended Deputy Update
- Live 5 News: Deputy Fired for Multiple Policy Violations
- ABC 7: South Carolina Deputy Suspended After Incident with Teens
- Island Packet: Incident Involving Deputy and Teens in Hilton Head
- Google Search: Hilton Head Incident 2025
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.
