News Summary
The family of Byron Jackson, who died in custody after a struggle with Irmo police, will hold a press conference to address concerns about police transparency and use of force. Civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers will be present to answer questions. The ongoing investigation into Jackson’s death has raised alarm over police actions and the community’s demand for accountability.
Irmo, South Carolina – The family of Byron Jackson, a 45-year-old man who died in custody of the Irmo Police Department, will hold a news conference at 2 PM on July 15. Civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers will be present to address questions surrounding Jackson’s death, which has sparked concerns about police use of force and the transparency of law enforcement agencies.
The critical incident occurred early on June 22, shortly after 2:00 AM, when the Irmo Police were dispatched to investigate reports of a possible altercation inside a vehicle. Upon their arrival, the vehicle, driven by Jackson, fled the scene leading to a brief police chase that concluded near a Dollar General store on Broad River Road.
Authorities report that Jackson, who was alone in the vehicle, allegedly engaged in a struggle with police officers when they attempted to take him into custody. After being restrained, he reportedly began to have difficulty breathing. Emergency medical services were immediately called to the scene, and life-saving efforts, including CPR, were conducted. Despite these efforts, Jackson was pronounced dead later at a local hospital.
The seriousness of the incident prompted the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to be contacted for an independent investigation on June 23, the day following Jackson’s death. There is currently an ongoing investigation to determine the exact cause of Jackson’s death, which has not yet been publicly released.
Five days after the incident, the Irmo Police Department issued a public notification about Jackson’s passing. This notice was released shortly before the department closed for a week in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Critics have raised questions about the timing of the announcement and the lack of transparency around the circumstances of Jackson’s death.
Following the incident, two officers from the Irmo Police Department were placed on administrative leave, which aligns with departmental policy under such circumstances. The identities of these officers have not been disclosed, nor has any dashboard camera or body-worn camera footage of the altercation been made available to the public. This reluctance to release details has intensified calls for accountability and transparency from the community and advocates.
In response to the incident, Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale expressed condolences to Jackson’s family, reiterating the department’s commitment to transparency and cooperation in the ongoing investigation conducted by SLED. The chief has acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding the case and emphasized the importance of public trust.
The forthcoming press conference organized by Jackson’s family signifies the growing concerns surrounding police practices and the need to address them publicly. With the involvement of a prominent civil rights attorney, the event is expected to draw attention to systemic issues related to law enforcement and its treatment of individuals in custody.
Jackson’s family seeks answers and accountability in light of his unexpected death. The community remains watchful as the investigation unfolds, and the demand for justice continues to resonate among residents and advocates for reform.
As the investigation progresses, further updates and feedback from the Irmo Police Department and SLED are anticipated in the coming weeks.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Man Dies in Police Custody in Irmo, SC
Police Custody Death of Byron Jackson Under Investigation
Irmo Police Investigated Following Fatal Altercation
Investigation Launched into Death of Byron Jackson in Police Custody
Officers Placed on Leave Following In-Custody Death of Suspect
Investigation Launched Following Suspect’s Death in Irmo Police Custody
Man Dies in Police Custody After Altercation in Irmo
Investigation Launched After Suspect Dies in Police Custody
Irmo Officers Placed on Leave Amid Investigation of Suspect’s Death
Irmo Police Officers on Leave After Custody Death
Additional Resources
- WACH: Family of Man Who Died in Irmo Police Custody
- Wikipedia: Police Brutality
- WLTX: Byron Jackson Identified
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Policing
- The State: Irmo Police Custody Incident
- Google Search: Byron Jackson Irmo Police Custody
- WISTV: Person Who Died in Police Custody Identified
- Google News: Irmo Police Department
- WACH: Coroner Identifies Man Who Died in Police Custody
- Google Scholar: Police Custody Deaths
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.
