Inquiry Ongoing Following Death of Man in Police Custody

Irmo: Inquiry Ongoing Following Death of Man in Police Custody

Byron Jackson, a 45-year-old man, died on June 22 while in the custody of the Irmo Police Department, prompting calls for transparency from his family and the community. The circumstances surrounding Jackson’s death are under scrutiny, particularly regarding the timeline of events leading up to his passing and the police’s response.

Incident Overview

At approximately 2:05 a.m. on June 22, Irmo Police responded to a report regarding a possible altercation inside a vehicle. Upon arrival, officers discovered that Jackson, identified as the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, attempted to flee the scene, initiating a brief police pursuit that concluded near the Dollar General store located on Broad River Road.

The situation escalated shortly after 2:20 a.m., when Jackson crashed his vehicle into debris and attempted to escape on foot. In an effort to subdue him, officers employed a drive-stun Taser after he allegedly ignored commands to stop. Following the restraint, Jackson reportedly began having difficulty breathing.

Medical Response and Consequences

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded promptly, performing life-saving measures, including CPR, while transporting Jackson to a hospital. Despite these efforts, he was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival. The official cause of death remains undetermined, as the autopsy report has not yet been released.

Timeline and Aftermath

According to police reports, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) was notified at approximately 4:00 a.m. that morning to assist with the scene. Jackson’s mother received information regarding her son’s hospitalization around 7:15 a.m., well after the events had transpired.

In the wake of the incident, the Irmo Police Department placed two officers on administrative leave. This action aligns with standard procedures following significant incidents involving law enforcement interactions. The department has expressed condolences to Jackson’s family while acknowledging the importance of their concerns. However, they have refrained from sharing specifics regarding the ongoing investigation.

Family Concerns and Demands for Transparency

Jackson’s family, represented by their attorney, is calling for increased transparency regarding the incident. They dispute the police narrative, asserting that there was no altercation inside the vehicle and that Jackson was driving a malfunctioning utility van at the time of the encounter.

The family has raised concerns about the timeline of the investigation, particularly questioning why it took over 24 hours for police to request assistance from SLED and why they were not promptly informed of Jackson’s hospitalization. They have urged a thorough investigation into the matter, emphasizing a need for accountability and clarity from law enforcement.

Community Reaction

The community’s response to Jackson’s death has been one of grief and outrage, with calls for change in how such incidents are handled by police. Family members recall Jackson as a devoted father, leaving behind six children and a legacy of love. The compassion and support from the community underline the urgent need for a thorough exploration of the events leading to this tragic outcome.

As the investigation progresses, the Irmo Police Department has reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency while navigating the sensitive nature of the incident. The situation remains fluid, and more information is expected to surface as the investigation unfolds.