News Summary
An investigation has been initiated following the death of 45-year-old Byron Jackson, who died in police custody after a pursuit by the Irmo Police Department. The incident has raised concerns over law enforcement protocols, especially surrounding the physical altercation and medical response Jackson experienced before his death. The Irmo police have engaged the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division for an independent investigation, while the chief has expressed condolences and committed to transparency.
Irmo, South Carolina – An investigation has been launched into the death of Byron Jackson, a 45-year-old man from North Augusta, South Carolina, who died in police custody following a pursuit by the Irmo Police Department. The incident unfolded on June 22, around 2 a.m., and has raised serious concerns regarding law enforcement protocols and the circumstances under which Jackson lost his life.
The Richland County Coroner, Naida Rutherford, confirmed Jackson’s death in a news release. He reportedly died on June 25 while in critical condition at a local hospital, but the specific cause of death has yet to be disclosed. Following the incident, the Irmo Police Department reached out to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to conduct an independent investigation into the events that led to Jackson’s death.
Details surrounding the incident began to emerge when Irmo officers responded to a report of a possible fight inside a vehicle in the New Friarsgate area on June 22. Upon arriving at the scene, officers observed the vehicle flee, prompting a brief pursuit. The vehicle stopped near a Dollar General store located in the 7800 block of Broad River Road. Jackson was the only occupant of the vehicle when it came to a halt.
Once officers made contact with Jackson, a physical altercation reportedly ensued between him and the police. Following the altercation, Jackson experienced difficulty breathing, which led officers to summon emergency medical services. Life-saving measures, including CPR, were administered by officers until emergency medical personnel arrived. Jackson was subsequently transported to the hospital, but he ultimately succumbed to his condition three days later.
In light of the incident, the two officers involved have been placed on administrative leave as part of standard department policy while the investigation is ongoing. The Chief of the Irmo Police Department expressed condolences to Jackson’s family and affirmed the department’s commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability during this challenging time.
The investigation by SLED will delve into the specific circumstances surrounding Jackson’s physical altercation with law enforcement and the subsequent medical efforts to save his life. Authorities have indicated that no further information will be disclosed until the investigation progresses. As this unfortunate event continues to unfold, it has drawn attention to broader issues regarding police conduct and public safety.
As the community awaits further details, the focus remains on understanding the entire sequence of events that led to the tragic death of Byron Jackson. The results of the investigation may influence future protocols for handling similar incidents and shape public trust in law enforcement operations.
The ongoing situation underscores the importance of accountability in law enforcement and the need for an impartial investigation to ensure justice for Jackson and his family.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Byron Jackson Identified in Irmo Police Custody Death
- Wikipedia: Police Brutality
- WISTV: Two Irmo Police Officers Placed on Leave
- Google Search: Police Custody Death Investigation
- The State: Investigation into Byron Jackson’s Death
- Google Scholar: Police Conduct Accountability
- WACH: Coroner Identifies Byron Jackson
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Accountability
- ABC Columbia: Coroner Identifies Man Who Died in Custody
- Google News: Byron Jackson Irmo Police Custody
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, 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 Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. 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.
