News Summary
Byron Jackson, a 45-year-old man from North Augusta, died in police custody following a police chase. His family is seeking transparency from the Irmo Police Department regarding the circumstances surrounding his death, which they contest based on conflicting narratives. They demand the release of body camera and dashcam footage as they seek answers and justice for Jackson’s untimely passing.
Irmo, South Carolina — Byron Jackson, a 45-year-old man from North Augusta, died in police custody on June 25, following an incident that started with a police chase on June 22. His family is now calling for transparency from the Irmo Police Department regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.
According to the Irmo police, officers responded to reports of an altercation occurring inside a vehicle, which resulted in a chase that ended at a Dollar General store. During the arrest, police stated that Jackson engaged in a physical struggle and subsequently had difficulty breathing while in custody. Emergency medical services were summoned, and life-saving measures were initiated while Jackson was transported to a nearby hospital.
Jackson’s family asserts that he had no prior health issues that could have contributed to his breathing difficulties, contradicting the police narrative. They have expressed concern over the police’s description of the events, framing the chase as a low-speed pursuit involving a utility van that was suffering from mechanical problems.
Upon arrival at the hospital, Jackson was reportedly listed as a “John Doe,” and his family claims they were not informed of his condition until hours after he was admitted. Additionally, family members alleged that they were informed by hospital staff that Jackson had been “dry Tased” before arriving at the facility. This detail has raised further questions regarding the events leading to his hospital admission.
In light of the incident, Jackson’s family has demanded the release of body camera and dashcam footage that they believe is available through the Irmo Police Department. They criticized the department for a lack of openness and noted that it took five days after Jackson’s death for the department to release any public information about the incident.
The family is now calling for increased transparency and accountability from the police, particularly regarding the delay in the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) beginning its investigation, which took over 24 hours after the incident. As of the last report, two police officers involved in the altercation are currently on leave as the investigation continues.
The Richland County Coroner’s Office is still finalizing Jackson’s autopsy report, further complicating the family’s desire for answers regarding his death. Meanwhile, a Freedom of Information Act request has been submitted for any relevant documents and footage linked to the case.
Jackson’s mother, Bettie Jackson, has publicly shared her sorrow while highlighting the memories of her son, depicting him as a loving individual dedicated to his family. Kiestin Jackson, Byron’s eldest son, has emphasized that their father was deeply devoted to their family, reflecting on his positive character traits.
The unfolding events surrounding Byron Jackson’s death have sparked a broader conversation about police accountability, transparency, and the treatment of individuals in custody. The community, alongside Jackson’s family, continues to seek answers and justice for the circumstances of his untimely passing.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Family of Man Who Died in Police Custody Holds Press Conference
South Main Street Transformed for Safety and Aesthetics
Six Charged in Shooting Death of Woman in Lancaster County
Shooting Incidents in Chester County Leave One Dead
Tragic Shooting Incident in Columbia Claims Young Life
Vehicle Crashes in Irmo Highlight Road Safety Concerns
Murder Suspect Sought Following Deadly Gas Station Shooting
Former Richland County Council Member Arrested After High-Speed Chase
Search for Suspect in Fatal Shooting in Columbia
Suspect Wanted for Murder in Irmo Gas Station Shooting
Additional Resources
- WRDW: Family seeks video release after man’s death in SC police custody
- Wikipedia: Police accountability
- The State: Family demands release of footage in Irmo police custody death
- Google Search: Byron Jackson Irmo police custody
- WACH: Attorney demands release of footage in death of Midlands man in Irmo police custody
- Google Scholar: Police accountability
- WISTV: Family of man who died in Irmo police custody holds press conference
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police custody
- WRDW: Video of family press conference regarding man’s death in Irmo police custody
- Google News: Irmo police custody incident
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.
