Hilton Head Island, October 1, 2025
News Summary
A Hilton Head Island deputy has been suspended after a viral video showed him pointing a gun at four 14-year-old boys during a confrontation. This incident has raised serious concerns about police conduct and the use of force in community policing. Although the deputy claimed he was protecting the boys, he ordered them to the ground and threatened to shoot during a secondary encounter. An internal and criminal investigation is underway, with families of the teens contemplating legal action, including questions about racial motivation.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – An off-duty sheriff’s deputy has been suspended after a viral video showed him pointing a gun at four 14-year-old boys in the Squiresgate neighborhood on September 28, 2025. The incident occurred around 6:45 p.m. and has sparked significant public concern and debate over the use of force in community policing.
The video captured moments of the deputy confronting the teens, one of whom can be heard screaming for his mother. The deputy, who was dressed in khaki shorts and slip-on shoes at the time, approached the boys after they were initially approached by a neighbor on an ATV. The deputy claimed he was on the boys’ side but warned them to leave the area. Following an initial verbal altercation, the deputy returned to his home, donned his sheriff’s vest, and holstered his weapon before confronting the teens again.
During this second confrontation, the deputy ordered the boys to the ground, threatened to shoot, and physically struggled with two of them while seizing a black backpack. Neighbors reported suspicions that one of the boys might have been armed; however, police later confirmed no firearms were found on the boys when they arrived at the scene.
In response to the incident, the deputy was suspended without pay and stripped of his badge and service weapon by a senior officer. An internal investigation by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is currently underway, alongside a criminal investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Investigators from the Regional Public Integrity Unit will determine if criminal charges are warranted once SLED concludes its review.
The families of the teens are considering potential legal action against the deputy and have raised questions regarding whether the incident was racially motivated. The community’s reaction has been mixed, with some residents supporting the deputy due to previous disturbances caused by teenagers, while others have criticized the excessive use of force. During the incident, a neighbor reportedly helped physically restrain the boys, further illustrating the divided opinions within the community.
Historically, the Squiresgate neighborhood has faced issues with theft and disturbances involving teenagers, contributing to some residents’ defense of the deputy’s actions. Notably, the deputy, who joined the sheriff’s office in 2006, has no prior disciplinary infractions in his personnel file.
As the investigation continues, local residents are voicing concerns over safety and the potential for similar incidents, reflecting broader societal discussions regarding law enforcement practices and community trust. The situation remains fluid as authorities work to ascertain the facts and responses surrounding this confrontation.
FAQs
What incident took place involving an off-duty deputy in Hilton Head Island?
An off-duty sheriff’s deputy pointed a gun at four 14-year-old boys in the Squiresgate neighborhood on September 28, 2025, which was captured on a viral video.
What were the circumstances leading to the confrontation?
The confrontation started when the boys were approached by a neighbor on an ATV, followed by the deputy in a white pickup truck who warned them to leave the area.
What actions did the deputy take during the incident?
The deputy ordered the boys to the ground, threatened to shoot while struggling with two of them, and seized a black backpack from them.
What has happened to the deputy following this incident?
The deputy has been suspended without pay and stripped of his badge and service weapon, and an investigation by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and SLED has been initiated.
Are the families of the teens considering legal action?
Yes, the teens’ families are considering pursuing legal action against the deputy, questioning whether the incident was racially motivated.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island Deputy Gun Suspended
- Wikipedia: Law enforcement in the United States
- NBC News: South Carolina Deputy Suspended After Incident With Teens
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island deputy suspended
- ABC News 4: Beaufort County Deputy Suspended
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Policing
- Live 5 News: Beaufort County Deputy Suspended Under Internal Investigation
- Google News: South Carolina Law Enforcement
- WTOC: Beaufort Co. Sheriff’s Office Deputy Suspended Without Pay
- Google Scholar: Use of Force in Policing
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.
