News Summary
Byron Jackson, 45, died following a police altercation in Irmo, SC. Bodycam footage shows the incident after Jackson fled from officers. Questions remain about his treatment during the arrest, particularly concerning his breathing difficulties. His family seeks transparency regarding the investigation and the release of all related footage, while the officers involved are on administrative leave. The Coroner’s Office has yet to provide a final autopsy report, leaving many unanswered questions in this tragic case.
Irmo, South Carolina – The Irmo Police Department has released bodycam footage and a 911 call related to the tragic death of 45-year-old Byron Jackson, who passed away following an altercation while in police custody. The incident took place on June 22, prompting an investigation as questions regarding the circumstances of his death continue to emerge.
Byron Jackson was apprehended after a 911 call described a potential situation of distress involving a vehicular altercation. Witnesses reported that Jackson’s van was parked suspiciously, with alarming sounds emanating from inside. When police officers responded, they attempted to ascertain the situation, focusing on Jackson’s hands as they approached the vehicle.
Upon activation of their emergency lights, Jackson fled the scene, leading to a pursuit. According to police reports, the chase ended when Jackson crashed his vehicle, a 2012 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 van, into a pile of pallets and an embankment. Bodycam footage captures the officers yelling commands at gunpoint for Jackson to show his hands as they approached after the crash.
A struggle between Jackson and the two officers ensued, resulting in both parties tumbling into a ravine approximately 15-20 feet deep. Following the confrontation, Jackson was placed in handcuffs, but shortly thereafter he began to experience difficulty breathing. Officers attempted to position him in a manner to prevent positional asphyxia when he became unresponsive.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were summoned to the scene, and in their efforts to assist Jackson, his handcuffs were relocated to the front for medical care. Despite the medics’ prompt intervention, Jackson’s condition deteriorated significantly. EMS eventually removed his handcuffs entirely before transporting him on a gurney to the hospital.
Jackson succumbed to his injuries three days later, on June 25. The Irmo Police Chief reported that there appeared to be no visible physical injuries on Jackson at the time of his death, which has raised further questions. The officers involved in the incident have been identified as Officer Tyler Baker and Officer John Parker, both of whom are currently on administrative leave while the investigation proceeds.
The police department’s incident report, which was made available following a Freedom of Information Act request, presented a narrative of events but included many redacted sections. The report mentioned attempts by officers to manage Jackson’s handcuffs to ensure his proper care but acknowledged that he suffered from breathing issues during the encounter.
Jackson’s family, along with their attorney, expressed dissatisfaction with the notification process regarding his hospitalization, stating they learned of his condition after he was admitted as a “John Doe.” They are pushing for the release of all bodycam and dashcam footage associated with the case to gain clarity on the situation leading up to Jackson’s death.
Concerns regarding the investigation’s timeline have arisen, with the family questioning why it took considerable time for a request to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to be made following the incident. The Irmo Police Chief has expressed a willingness to meet with Jackson’s family to discuss the footage once cleared by the ongoing investigation.
As of now, the Richland County Coroner’s Office has not issued a final autopsy report, leaving many questions unanswered. Jackson, a father of six, is remembered by his family as a devoted parent. They are calling for transparency and accountability related to the events surrounding his untimely death.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Irmo Police Department Addresses Community Concerns Following Incident
Bodycam Footage Released in Custody Death of Byron Jackson
Irmo Police Address Byron Jackson’s Death in Custody
Irmo Police Under Scrutiny After Man’s Death in Custody
Body Camera Footage Released in Irmo Police Incident
Irmo Police Update on Byron Jackson Custody Death Case
Police Release Footage in Irmo Custody Death Investigation
New Details Emerge in Byron Jackson’s Death in Custody
Family Demands Accountability After Irmo Man’s Death in Custody
Investigation Launched into Death of Irmo Man After Police Confrontation
Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Irmo Police Chief Press Conference
- Wikipedia: Irmo, South Carolina
- WRDW: Irmo Cops Release Bodycam Video
- Google Search: Byron Jackson
- WLTX: Irmo Police Body Cam Footage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Accountability
- WACH: Irmo Police Department Press Conference
- The State: Irmo Police Incident Report
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.
