Hilton Head Island, September 30, 2025
News Summary
An off-duty deputy from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has been suspended following a disturbing video showing him brandishing a firearm at teenagers in Hilton Head Island. The incident occurred during a reported disturbance in the Squiresgate neighborhood. The deputy approached a group of teens, ordered them to the ground, and threatened to shoot one of them, leading to a physical altercation. The sheriff’s office is now conducting an internal investigation alongside a criminal investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
Hilton Head Island
An off-duty deputy with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has been suspended after a video surfaced showing him drawing a firearm on teenagers in the Squiresgate neighborhood of Hilton Head Island. The incident occurred on Sunday, September 28, 2025, around 6:47 p.m., in response to reports of a disturbance in the deputy’s residential area.
The video, which was shared on social media, depicts the deputy approaching a group of teens, pointing a gun at them, and ordering them to get on the ground. According to reports, the deputy shouted that he was the police when one of the teens suggested calling 911. The situation escalated into a physical altercation, with one teen reportedly pushing the deputy away from another. During this confrontation, the deputy threatened to shoot a teen and pointed his firearm at them.
Witnesses described a scene of panic, with one teen calling out for his mother during the encounter. Following the incident, the deputy was suspended without pay and stripped of his credentials, badge, and sheriff’s office-issued equipment. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has initiated an Internal Affairs Investigation, which could take some time due to the necessity of interviewing multiple parties involved in the incident.
In addition to the internal investigation, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been requested to investigate for possible criminal violations. Any findings from SLED will be forwarded to the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office for further review. As of Monday evening, the sheriff’s office has not made any additional public comments and is awaiting the results of both investigations.
The incident has sparked concern within the community. Residents have expressed distress over the deputy’s actions, with one grandmother reportedly heartbroken after viewing the footage. The sheriff’s office is urging anyone with information or additional video evidence to step forward as the investigations continue.
Background Context
This incident raises significant concerns regarding the conduct of law enforcement officers, especially those off-duty. The ramifications of the deputy’s actions not only affect his career but also have a lasting impact on community trust in law enforcement. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is taking the situation seriously, with ongoing investigations aimed at ensuring accountability and transparency.
Implications for the Community
As the investigation unfolds, residents of Hilton Head Island will be looking to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office for guidance and information. Situations like these can lead to heightened scrutiny of police practices and reinforce the need for appropriate training and community relations.
FAQ
What happened to the off-duty deputy in Hilton Head Island?
An off-duty deputy with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has been suspended after a video surfaced showing him drawing a firearm on teenagers in the Squiresgate neighborhood of Hilton Head Island.
When did the incident occur?
The incident occurred on Sunday, September 28, 2025, around 6:47 p.m.
What is the current status of the deputy?
The deputy was suspended without pay and stripped of his credentials, badge, and sheriff’s office-issued equipment.
What investigations are being conducted?
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an Internal Affairs Investigation, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been asked to investigate for possible criminal violations.
What are the next steps for the sheriff’s office?
The sheriff’s office is awaiting the results of both the internal and external investigations.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Off-duty deputy drawing a firearm on teenagers |
| Date and Time | September 28, 2025, at 6:47 p.m. |
| Location | Squiresgate neighborhood, Hilton Head Island |
| Deputy Status | Suspended without pay; stripped of credentials, badge, and equipment |
| Investigations | Internal Affairs and SLED investigation for possible criminal violations |
| Community Reaction | Concern and distress expressed by residents |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hilton Head Island Man Arrested for Convenience Store Beating
Life Sentence for Nayquan Gadson in Hilton Head Murder Case
Hardeeville Man Sentenced to Life for Random Shooting
Former Teacher Pleads Guilty to Misdemeanor Charges
Bluffton Man Sentenced to 20 Years for DUI Crash Resulting in Infant’s Death
Hilton Head Man Arrested After New Year’s Traffic Stop
Additional Resources
- WJCL
- ABC News 4
- Live 5 News
- Fits News
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Law Enforcement in the United States
- Google Search: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
- Google News: Hilton Head Island Deputy Suspension
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.
