Hilton Head, October 11, 2025

News Summary

A former deputy with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office was fired after a shocking incident where he allegedly pointed a gun at a group of teenagers. The incident occurred in the Squiresgate area, leading to widespread concerns about police conduct and community safety. Investigations revealed violations of policy and no weapon was found at the scene. This behavior has sparked discussions on accountability within law enforcement. The sheriff’s department reiterated its commitment to proper conduct as the community engages in dialogue regarding safety.

Hilton Head

A former deputy with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office was fired following a disturbing incident involving a firearm and a group of teenagers in a Hilton Head neighborhood. The incident occurred on September 28, 2025, in the Squiresgate area when former Deputy Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires allegedly pointed a gun at the teens and claimed they had displayed a weapon. Video footage of the altercation, which showed Squires with a handgun drawn, circulated widely on social media, intensifying public scrutiny of law enforcement conduct.

The group of teenagers, alongside one of their mothers, firmly denied the accusation that they had a gun, contradicting Squires’s claims. As investigations unfolded, it was revealed that Squires had reportedly consumed alcohol prior to the event, and he declined a breathalyzer test when requested at the scene. This refusal was later classified as insubordination during the internal inquiry.

On October 3, 2025, the former deputy was initially suspended without pay before being fired on the same day. Sheriff P.J. Tanner stated that Squires had violated multiple policies within the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, including unprofessional conduct and improper use of force. During further investigations conducted by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), no firearm was found at the scene, raising additional concerns.

Investigative Findings

Following the incident, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office submitted a misconduct report to the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, indicating that Squires’s actions brought discredit to the office. Squires had a lengthy 19 years of service with the sheriff’s department and maintained a relatively clean personnel record prior to this event.

The situation has sparked discussions regarding police accountability and the need for law enforcement officers to uphold a higher standard of conduct, both on and off duty. Residents of the Squiresgate neighborhood expressed concern and frustration over the involvement of children in such a serious incident, reflecting a growing anxiety about safety in their community.

While Squires’s termination is effective immediately, the results from the ongoing SLED criminal investigation are expected to determine if further legal action will be pursued. Sheriff Tanner had initially withheld Squires’s name, emphasizing community safety and respect for the ongoing investigation.

Conclusion

The incident involving William “Billy” Squires serves as a reminder of the critical importance of accountability within law enforcement. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has reiterated its commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that deputies adhere to strict regulations.

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Additional Resources

• Bluffton Today
• Wikipedia: Police Accountability
• WJCL
• Google Search: Police Conduct South Carolina
• Live 5 News
• Google Scholar: Law Enforcement Misconduct
• ABC News 4
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Misconduct
• WTOC
• Google News: Beaufort County 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.