Sergeant in Beaufort County Suspended: Allegedly Intoxicated Off-Duty Gun Incident Causes Terrified Reactions Among Teens

🚨 Beaufort County Sergeant Suspended After Off-Duty Gun Incident with Teens

📍 Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

📰 The Incident

An off-duty Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office deputy, identified by community members as Sgt. Billy Squires, has been suspended after a video emerged showing him pointing a firearm at several teenagers in his Hilton Head Island neighborhood.

The confrontation occurred Sunday evening in the Squiresgate neighborhood. In the footage, Squires is seen approaching the group, pulling a gun, and ordering the teens to the ground. A scuffle breaks out, and at one point, he aims his weapon inches away from a teenager while shouting threats.

The video also captures the terrified reactions of the teenagers. Several can be heard screaming, their voices panicked as they pleaded for the officer to stop. One teen repeatedly called out for their mother, while others stood frozen in fear. The distress in their voices highlighted the gravity of the encounter and the intimidating presence of an armed deputy just inches away from them.

Video from Q-ron Ford

🏛️ Sheriff’s Office Response

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) quickly suspended Squires without pay, confiscating his badge, weapons, and other department-issued gear.

An internal affairs investigation is now underway to determine whether his actions violated department policy.

🔍 Criminal Investigation by SLED

Because the incident involved a firearm and raised possible criminal concerns, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has taken over the criminal investigation.

When the review is complete, findings will be submitted to the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, which will decide if charges should be filed.

👥 Community Reaction

The normally quiet Squiresgate neighborhood is reeling from the event. Many residents expressed fear and disbelief over an armed confrontation happening in their community.

On social media, reactions have been divided: some defend Squires as protecting himself, while others accuse him of abusing his authority and escalating tensions unnecessarily.

📌 What Happens Next

• BCSO Internal Affairs: Reviewing policy violations
• SLED Criminal Probe: Investigating for potential criminal charges
• Solicitor’s Office: Will decide on prosecution after SLED findings
• Community Oversight: Calls for transparency and accountability in how deputies act on and off duty

✅ Bottom Line

✅ Links

Beaufort County (South Carolina) Sheriff's Office: https://www.bcso.net

BCSO Facebook:   @ beaufortcountysheriffsofficesc

SLED: https://www.sled.sc.gov/contact_us