News Summary
Bodycam footage from the Irmo Police Department reveals details surrounding the arrest and subsequent death of Byron Jackson after a confrontation with police. Jackson died in custody following an incident that involved a police chase and the use of a stun gun. The released footage has raised questions about the circumstances of his death, leading to an ongoing investigation by the State Law Enforcement Division. The police officers involved have been placed on administrative leave as the inquiry continues, with Jackson’s family fearing discrepancies in the police account.
Irmo, SC – Bodycam footage from the June 22 arrest of Byron Jackson was released by the Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale during a press conference on July 21. Jackson, a 45-year-old resident of North Augusta, died in custody on June 25 after being taken to a local hospital following a confrontation with police.
The incident began at around 2 a.m. when a 911 call reported a possible fight inside a van parked on Old Well Road. The caller described Jackson as yelling at someone inside the vehicle, although only one person was reported to be seen. When police arrived, Jackson drove away, leading to a police chase that ended when his van crashed into wooden pallets near a creek behind a vacant building on Broad River Road.
Upon reaching the scene, officers drew their guns and shouted commands for Jackson to exit his vehicle. Footage from the bodycam shows Jackson exiting the van and engaging in a struggle with the officers, resulting in both Jackson and the police falling 15 to 20 feet into a ravine. Following the struggle, the officers used a stun gun on Jackson to subdue him, which was described as being in accordance with department policy.
Once restrained, Jackson reportedly began experiencing difficulty breathing. While one officer monitored his condition, another searched the vehicle and discovered drug paraphernalia. Emergency medical personnel were informed of a possible narcotics-related medical emergency shortly thereafter.
Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale emphasized the urgency in understanding the circumstances surrounding Jackson’s death. The two officers involved in the incident have been identified as Tyler Baker, who joined the force in April 2024, and John Parker, with the department since May 2023. Both officers have been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.
The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has taken charge of the ongoing investigation into the incident. The bodycam footage released during the press conference has been spliced from at least two cameras, thus the complete context remains unclear. Jackson’s family, along with their civil rights attorney, had previously requested the release of the footage before the press conference occurred.
Concerns have been raised by Jackson’s family and their attorney regarding discrepancies in the Irmo Police Department’s account of the events. The attorney criticized the release of information that seemed to question Jackson’s character while failing to provide important details about the use of the stun gun during the arrest. The Richland County Coroner’s Office has not yet released the cause and manner of Jackson’s death.
The incident is currently under investigation, with law enforcement officials focusing on providing clarity and accountability regarding the events that transpired. The inquiry aims to address the community’s concerns and ensure justice is served for Byron Jackson and his family.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WISTV: Irmo Police Chief Press Conference
- Google Search: Irmo Police Department
- WRDW: Irmo Cops Release Bodycam Video
- Google Scholar: Police Bodycam Footage
- WLTX: Irmo Police Body Cam Footage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
- WACH: Irmo Police Press Conference
- Google News: Byron Jackson Irmo
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.
