Hilton Head, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Laquesha L. Habersham has filed a federal lawsuit against former Beaufort County Deputy William “Billy” Squires after he allegedly threatened her son and two other teens at gunpoint. The incident occurred on Squiresgate Road in Hilton Head, where Squires, off-duty and intoxicated, confronted the boys while on an ATV, brandishing his service weapon. The lawsuit alleges assault, false imprisonment, and violations of police protocol, amidst growing community concern and calls for accountability.
Hilton Head Island – Laquesha L. Habersham has filed a federal lawsuit following a September 28 incident where her son and two other teens were threatened at gunpoint by former Beaufort County Deputy William “Billy” Squires. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Squiresgate Road in Hilton Head Island.
Squires, who was off-duty at the time and living in the neighborhood, approached the group on an ATV and later drew his service weapon. The lawsuit describes the encounter as a “brazen and unlawful incident” and a “shocking abuse of power.” Squires pointed a loaded service pistol at the boys and threatened to shoot, grabbing one boy and struggling with him in the roadway. Videos of the incident went viral, showing Squires accusing the teens of being armed and threatening them.
The lawsuit names five unidentified neighbors (John Does 1-5) who allegedly helped Squires restrain the boys. Neighbors also reportedly assisted in holding down the older brother of one of the boys who tried to intervene. Squires later handcuffed one of the teens during the encounter. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office found no weapon at the scene, contradicting Squires’ claims.
The lawsuit accuses Squires and the unnamed neighbors of assault and battery, excessive force, false imprisonment, illegal search and seizure, and violations of department policies. The monetary amount being sought in damages has not been specified in the lawsuit.
Court documents indicate that Squires was “visibly intoxicated” during the incident and initially refused a breathalyzer test. Squires later admitted to consuming alcohol before threatening the teens and was subsequently suspended without pay and fired from the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff P.J. Tanner stated that Squires had a previously “fairly clean” disciplinary record before this incident and had been promoted to master sergeant in March of the previous year.
A criminal investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is ongoing regarding Squires’ actions during the incident. The lawsuit also claims negligence on the part of the sheriff’s office for employing Squires and allowing him to use his department-issued equipment during the incident. Local community response to the event has included shock and calls for accountability, with some parents demanding more severe actions against Squires.
Background Context
The incident has raised significant concerns among the local community regarding law enforcement conduct and accountability. With the video evidence circulating on social media, many residents expressed outrage and fear about the actions of an individual who was sworn to protect them. The lawsuit aims not only to seek justice for the affected teens but also to hold both Squires and the sheriff’s office accountable for their roles in the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What incident led to the federal lawsuit?
The lawsuit follows a September 28 incident where Laquesha L. Habersham’s son and two other teens were threatened at gunpoint by former Beaufort County Deputy William “Billy” Squires.
What were the claims made in the lawsuit?
The lawsuit accuses Squires and the unnamed neighbors of assault and battery, excessive force, false imprisonment, illegal search and seizure, and violations of department policies.
What was the state of William Squires during the incident?
Court documents indicate that Squires was “visibly intoxicated” during the incident and initially refused a breathalyzer test.
What has been the community response to the incident?
Local community response to the event has included shock and calls for accountability, with some parents demanding more severe actions against Squires.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | September 28 |
| Location | Squiresgate Road, Hilton Head Island |
| Involved Parties | William “Billy” Squires (former deputy), Laquesha L. Habersham (mother), three teens (victims) |
| Nature of Threat | Threatened at gunpoint with a service weapon |
| Accusations in Lawsuit | Assault and battery, excessive force, false imprisonment, illegal search and seizure |
| Community Reaction | Shock and calls for accountability, demands for severe action against Squires |
| Outcome for Squires | Suspended without pay and fired from Sheriff’s Office |
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Beaufort Sheriff Deputy Hilton Head Gun Lawsuit
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- Island Packet: Local Crime News
- Google Search: William Squires Hilton Head
- ABC 7 Chicago: South Carolina Deputy Suspended
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
- Fox 28 Savannah: Town of Hilton Head Files Lawsuit
- Google Scholar: Law Enforcement Accountability
- WJCL: Beaufort Co Woman Sues Apartment Owners
- Google News: Beaufort County News
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.
