News Summary
Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale released bodycam footage related to the custody death of Byron Jackson, who died following an encounter with police. The incident occurred after a 911 call reported a suspicious van and a struggle inside it. Jackson’s family is demanding transparency and further investigation into the circumstances of his death, raising concerns about the officers’ actions during the encounter.
Irmo, South Carolina – Police Release Footage in Custody Death Investigation
Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale disclosed previously unreleased bodycam footage and details surrounding the death of 45-year-old Byron Jackson during a press conference on Monday. Jackson died on June 25, three days after an encounter with Irmo police officers that began on June 22 with a 911 call about a suspicious van.
The 911 call reported a possible fight inside the vehicle, with the caller mentioning sounds of a struggle and screams. However, the witness only observed Jackson, who drove away when officers approached. This initiated a police pursuit that ended when Jackson’s van crashed into a pile of pallets and into a ravine.
Bodycam footage displays officers commanding Jackson to show his hands as he exited the van. A physical struggle broke out between the officers and Jackson, leading them to fall approximately 15-20 feet into the ravine. The Irmo Police Department identified the officers involved in the incident as Tyler Baker, hired in April 2024, and John Parker, hired in May 2023.
During the altercation, Officer Baker deployed a Taser to subdue Jackson. While referenced in a timeline of events, this detail was not explicitly included in the initial police report. Once subdued, Jackson was handcuffed, and officers noticed he was having trouble breathing. To prevent positional asphyxia, officers rolled him into a recovery position and moved his handcuffs to the front to aid medical personnel.
Emergency medical services were summoned, but Jackson’s condition worsened, and he was later hospitalized. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries on June 25. According to police reports, Jackson had no apparent physical injuries, and an autopsy report is still pending.
Both officers engaged in the incident are currently on administrative leave as the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division conducts an investigation. Jackson’s family has raised concerns regarding the handling of the situation and expressed dissatisfaction with the police’s account of events. They are pushing for transparency, additional footage releases, and further investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Family representatives, including legal counsel, have indicated that the family was not properly informed about Jackson’s hospitalization, resulting in lingering questions about the incident. There are also calls for investigation into the potential use of excessive force and procedural irregularities during the encounter with police.
Initially, Irmo police stated solely that Jackson died while in their custody. They later clarified that he was not formally arrested. As questions about the case continue to stir, Freedom of Information Act requests have been submitted for all bodycam and dashcam footage relevant to the incident.
The ongoing investigation and the release of new information will be closely watched as the Irmo police and the involved officers aim to clarify the circumstances leading to Byron Jackson’s tragic death.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Irmo Police Chief Holds Press Conference
- Google Search: Byron Jackson custody death
- WRDW: Irmo Police Hold News Conference
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- WLTX: Irmo Police Release Body Cam Footage
- Google News: Byron Jackson Irmo Police
- WACH: Irmo Police Department Press Conference
- The State: Irmo Police Custody Death Investigation
- Post and Courier: Irmo Police Arrest Death of 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.
