News Summary
The Irmo Police Department held a press conference to address the in-custody death of Byron Jackson, detailing the circumstances of the incident and releasing critical information. Officers pursued Jackson after he fled, leading to a physical altercation that resulted in both parties falling into a ravine. Jackson later experienced respiratory distress but was not formally arrested. The family has raised concerns about police transparency and called for the release of body camera footage, as an independent investigation is underway.
Irmo, South Carolina – The Irmo Police Department held a press conference on Monday, June 25, following the in-custody death of Byron Jackson, a 45-year-old resident of North Augusta. During the conference, officials released critical information regarding the incident, including a 911 call that initiated police action and body camera footage from the event. This release comes amidst increasing community demand for transparency and accountability in the wake of Jackson’s death.
According to police reports, officers pursued Jackson after he fled in his vehicle upon their arrival at a scene related to a potential altercation. The police were responding to a 911 call that suggested there might be another person in the vehicle, which prompted the urgency in the officers’ approach. As they tracked him down, officers commanded Jackson to “show me your hands” as they approached a wrecked van, where the confrontation escalated.
A physical altercation ensued between Jackson and the officers, resulting in both parties falling down a ravine estimated to be 15 to 20 feet deep. The police officers involved in this skirmish were identified as Officer Tyler Baker and Officer John Parker. Officer Baker joined the force in April 2024, while Officer Parker has been a member since May 2023. Both officers have been placed on administrative leave following the incident to ensure an unbiased investigation.
In the aftermath of the confrontation, Jackson was reported to be experiencing respiratory distress after being handcuffed. The officers indicated that he was having difficulties breathing and moved him into a recovery position. However, it was reported that Jackson was never formally arrested or charged with any crime. Additionally, drug-related paraphernalia was found inside the van, which has been contested by Jackson’s family as an effort to discredit him.
Legal representation for Jackson’s family has been secured with civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers. The family has criticized the police department for inconsistencies in their public statements surrounding the incident and has publicly called for the release of body camera footage. They state that this transparency is crucial to understanding the circumstances surrounding Jackson’s death.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is currently conducting an independent investigation into the incident. In accordance with standard protocol, they have requested the police body camera and dash camera footage remain undisclosed while the investigation is ongoing.
Further complicating matters, the Richland County Coroner’s Office has stated that autopsy results are pending, and the exact cause of Jackson’s death has not yet been determined. Following the incident, family members expressed distress over the lack of timely communication from the police, specifically regarding the updates on Jackson’s condition. Reports indicate that multiple calls for updates went unanswered for several hours, exacerbating the family’s concern for his wellbeing.
The press conference, alongside the release of the body camera footage, has drawn attention to the need for accountability in law enforcement practices. The situation continues to be a focal point of community dialogue regarding police interactions with citizens and calls for an increased demand for transparency, especially in incidents leading to tragic outcomes.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Byron Jackson Death Incident Report
- Wikipedia: Police Transparency
- WRDW: Irmo Police Hold News Conference
- Google Search: Byron Jackson Death Incident
- WISTV: Irmo Police Chief Press Conference
- Google Scholar: Byron Jackson Police Incident
- The State: Local Crime News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Misconduct
- Post and Courier: Irmo SC Police Arrest
- Google News: Byron Jackson In Custody Death
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.
