News Summary
Recent documents reveal alarming details regarding the death of 45-year-old Byron Jackson while in police custody. The incident report outlines police interaction leading to his hospitalization after a pursuit and crash. Jackson’s family and community express concern over law enforcement’s actions, emphasizing a need for transparency and accountability. South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating, and two officers are on administrative leave. Jackson, a father of six, is remembered by his family as a loving individual, but they seek justice following his tragic death.
Irmo, South Carolina – New documents have shed light on the circumstances surrounding the death of 45-year-old Byron Jackson while in police custody. The nine-page incident report, acquired following a Freedom of Information Act request, narrates events that occurred on June 22, resulting in Jackson’s death three days later on June 25.
The incident began when Irmo police responded to reports of a suspicious vehicle on Old Well Road, where an altercation was reported to be occurring inside the vehicle. Byron Jackson was found driving a 2012 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 utility van. Upon noticing the police, he fled the scene, prompting a police pursuit after he failed to stop when officers activated their blue lights.
After a brief chase, Jackson’s vehicle crashed into a pile of pallets and became immobilized. Upon exiting the vehicle, he was handcuffed by officers. One officer noted feeling Jackson breathe as they placed a hand in front of his mouth. In an effort to minimize the risk of positional asphyxia, officers rolled Jackson into a recovery position.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived shortly after and adjusted Jackson’s handcuffs to facilitate medical assistance. Jackson’s condition declined, leading EMS to request the complete removal of his handcuffs. An officer trained in CPR attempted to provide aid while Jackson was transported to the hospital.
Jackson’s passing has raised alarm and concern among his family and community members. Concerned about the police’s handling of the situation, they have accused law enforcement of delaying notification of Jackson’s hospitalization and the investigation request to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Currently, SLED is investigating the incident, and two Irmo police officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The incident report features numerous redactions, including key details such as the names of the officers involved. A timeline indicated the use of a Taser, which is not mentioned in the main report, leading Jackson’s family to express skepticism regarding the consistency and accuracy of the police’s account.
The Richland County Coroner’s Office has not yet released the cause of death, awaiting autopsy results. Meanwhile, Jackson’s family has requested the release of body camera and dashcam footage from the incident, asserting that transparency is necessary for justice.
Byron Jackson was a father of six and operated a family business. Family members described him as a loving and devoted individual, emphasizing their desire for accountability following his tragic death. The police chief of Irmo, Bobby Dale, stated that the footage remains part of the ongoing investigation, underscoring the complexity of the case and the ongoing examination of the events leading up to Jackson’s untimely demise.
This incident has sparked discussions about police conduct and accountability, focusing on the protocols followed by officers in high-pressure situations, especially those involving vulnerable individuals in custody. As the community grapples with the aftermath, the full report from SLED will likely play a crucial role in understanding the events that led to this heartbreaking loss.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Family Demands Accountability After Irmo Man’s Death in Custody
Investigation Launched into Death of Irmo Man After Police Confrontation
Scrutiny on Irmo Police Following Man’s Death in Custody
Tragic Death of Irmo Man Raises Questions
Irmo Police Custody Death Raises Justice Concerns
Family Demands Transparency After Irmo Man’s Death
Family Demands Transparency After Man Dies in Police Custody
Inquiry Ongoing Following Death of Man in Police Custody
Irmo Police Investigate Man’s Death in Custody
Family Demands Transparency Following Man’s Death in Police Custody
Additional Resources
- WLTX: Byron Jackson Death Incident Report
- WIS TV: Irmo Police Report on Custody Death
- The State: Report on Byron Jackson Incident
- Post and Courier: Civil Rights, Irmo Police Incident
- WRDW: Irmo Cops Release Incident Report
- Wikipedia: Police Brutality
- Google Search: Byron Jackson Incident
- Google Scholar: Police Accountability
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
- Google News: Byron Jackson
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.
