News Summary
Nearly a month after Byron Jackson’s death while in police custody, Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale held a press conference to release details about the incident. Audio from the 911 call and body camera footage were showcased, revealing Jackson’s struggles during the encounter with officers. Jackson, who died shortly after being subdued by police, raised concerns from his family members regarding the circumstances of his hospitalization and the police’s account of events. The police department is currently cooperating with an ongoing investigation into Jackson’s death.
Irmo, South Carolina – Nearly four weeks after the death of 45-year-old Byron Jackson while in police custody, Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale held a news conference to address the incident. During the press conference, audio clips from the 911 call and body camera footage from responding officers were released, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Jackson’s death.
Jackson died on June 25, 2023, three days after he was subdued with a Taser and handcuffed by officers in the New Friarsgate neighborhood. The police were initially dispatched to investigate a possible altercation involving Jackson’s vehicle at around 2 a.m. on June 22. The 911 caller reported hearing screams and fighting but did not observe anyone else in the vehicle aside from Jackson.
Upon the officers’ arrival, Jackson reportedly fled the scene, prompting a police pursuit. He was driving a work utility van and crashed into a pile of pallets behind a building on Broad River Road. Body camera footage revealed that officers commanded Jackson to surrender as they approached the van. A physical struggle ensued, during which both Jackson and the officers fell into a ravine approximately 15-20 feet deep.
During the struggle, officers deployed a Taser to subdue Jackson and managed to handcuff him. After being apprehended, Jackson exhibited difficulty breathing, prompting emergency medical services (EMS) to be called to the scene. He later succumbed to his condition at a local hospital. As of the press conference, the official autopsy report was pending, and the cause of death had not been established.
Initially, the Irmo police stated that Jackson had died while in their custody. However, they later clarified that he was never officially arrested, rather, he was “apprehended safely.” Following the incident, Jackson’s handcuffs were moved to the front due to his breathing difficulties. They were subsequently removed when EMS requested it to perform CPR.
An incident report described charges against Jackson for resisting arrest and traffic offenses, but did not include a charge for DUI. The two officers involved in the incident, identified as Tyler Baker and John Parker, have been placed on administrative leave while an investigation is conducted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
Chief Dale extended condolences to Jackson’s family and reiterated the department’s commitment to cooperating fully with the investigation. Meanwhile, Jackson’s family, represented by attorney Bakari Sellers, has sought transparency regarding the situation and requested the release of video footage that documents the incident. They have raised concerns that they were not promptly informed of Jackson’s hospitalization and have disputed the police’s account of the events leading to his death.
According to the Irmo Police Department, after Jackson became unresponsive, officers attempted to assist him until the EMS team arrived at the scene. Furthermore, a Freedom of Information Act request has been filed by media representatives seeking access to body camera and dash camera footage related to this incident.
The outcome of the ongoing investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division into the circumstances of Jackson’s death remains to be seen, and the community continues to seek clarity and accountability regarding the actions of the Irmo Police Department during this critical incident.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Irmo Police Chief Press Conference
- Wikipedia: Byron Jackson
- WRDW: Irmo Police News Conference
- Google Search: Byron Jackson Irmo Police
- The State: Irmo Police Incident Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Irmo Police
- Post and Courier: Irmo SC Police Case
- Google News: Irmo Police 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.
