News Summary
A man died while in police custody in Irmo, South Carolina, following an altercation with officers. The incident has led to two officers being placed on administrative leave pending an investigation by SLED. Initial reports indicated difficulties in conveying the situation to the public, raising concerns about police transparency and accountability. Community responses are critical as details about the incident and the investigation unfold.
Irmo, SC – A man died while in police custody following an altercation with officers on June 22, 2025, leading to the placement of two Irmo Police officers on administrative leave pending an investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
The Irmo Police Department reported that the incident began around 2:05 a.m. when officers responded to a call regarding a possible fight taking place inside a vehicle in the New Friarsgate area. Upon their arrival, the suspect’s vehicle drove away, prompting a brief police chase that concluded near a Dollar General store on Broad River Road.
The driver, identified as a 45-year-old man who was alone in the vehicle, was engaged in a physical confrontation with officers before being taken into custody. After being restrained, the man reportedly began experiencing difficulty breathing. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were called to the scene, during which officers administered CPR and other life-saving measures.
The suspect was subsequently transported to the hospital in critical condition, where he was pronounced dead on June 25, 2025. In light of this incident, the Irmo Police Department reached out to SLED on June 23 to initiate an independent investigation to ensure transparency and accountability.
Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale offered condolences to the family of the deceased and reiterated the department’s commitment to maintaining public trust. However, concerns have arisen regarding the delayed communication about the incident, as the initial news release was not issued until more than five days after the occurrence. This delay has led to greater scrutiny and questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the event.
As the investigation continues, key questions remain unresolved, including the identity of the deceased, the specific details of the altercation, and whether body camera and dash camera footage will be made public. The police department has indicated that they will not provide further information while SLED conducts its investigation.
The tragic incident highlights ongoing community concerns regarding police conduct and transparency in law enforcement actions, especially during critical encounters. The outcome of the SLED investigation will likely impact the local community’s perception of the Irmo Police Department’s practices and the broader dialogue on police accountability.
As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the incident has left a significant mark on the community, sparking calls for clarity and concern over police procedures. Both the Irmo Police Department and SLED are expected to provide updates as new information becomes available.
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Police Accountability
- ABC Columbia
- Google Search: Irmo Police Department
- WIS TV
- Google Scholar: Police Conduct Accountability
- WLTX
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Procedure
- WACH
- Google News: Irmo Police Incident
