News Summary
The Irmo Police Department faces criticism following the death of Byron Jackson, 45, in police custody. Bodycam footage and a 911 call have been released as the case raises questions about police conduct and accountability. Jackson’s family holds the police responsible for the incident and is demanding transparency. The SC Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has taken over the investigation.
Irmo, South Carolina – The Irmo Police Department has released bodycam footage and a 911 call related to the death of Byron Jackson, a 45-year-old man from North Augusta, who died while in police custody. The incident has raised questions about the police’s conduct, leading to calls for transparency and accountability.
On June 22, police were dispatched following a 911 report of a possible altercation involving Jackson inside a vehicle, a 2012 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 utility van. Officers Typer Baker and John Parker, both relatively new to the department, responded to the scene where they attempted to approach Jackson’s vehicle. However, Jackson drove off, prompting a pursuit.
During the chase, Jackson crashed his van into a pile of pallets and became stuck. Officers ordered him to show his hands while drawing their weapons. After confirming that Jackson was alone in the vehicle, a physical struggle ensued, resulting in Jackson falling approximately 15 to 20 feet into a ravine. Reports indicate that officers deployed a Taser on Jackson during the altercation, despite initial claims omitting this detail.
Once apprehended, Jackson exhibited breathing difficulties. Officers monitored his condition closely and rolled him into a recovery position to prevent positional asphyxia. As his situation worsened, Jackson was moved to the front of the van for emergency medical services (EMS) to provide care. EMS personnel instructed police to remove Jackson’s handcuffs due to his deteriorating health.
Jackson was transported to the hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries on June 25, three days after the incident. The Richland County Coroner’s Office has yet to provide a final autopsy report determining the cause of death.
Jackson’s family, represented by civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers, is holding the Irmo Police responsible for the circumstances surrounding his death. They have expressed concern over the police’s delay in initiating an investigation with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which took over 24 hours after Jackson’s hospitalization. The family criticized the lack of timely communication regarding his condition, noting that Jackson was initially listed as a “John Doe” in the hospital.
Following the release of the bodycam footage, Jackson’s family has called for complete transparency, requesting the release of all related footage. They highlighted inconsistencies in the police narrative concerning the Taser’s use and the discovery of drug paraphernalia in Jackson’s vehicle.
The incident is currently under investigation by SLED, and both Officers Baker and Parker have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Concerns regarding police accountability and the treatment of individuals in custody have intensified in the aftermath of this incident, particularly as the family seeks closure regarding the circumstances of Jackson’s death.
With the community and family awaiting the findings of the autopsy and the ongoing investigation, the case raises critical issues surrounding law enforcement practices and the responsibilities of police to ensure the safety and well-being of those in their custody.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Tragic Death of Irmo Man Raises Questions
Irmo Police Custody Death Raises Justice Concerns
Family Demands Transparency After Irmo Man’s Death
Family Demands Transparency After Man Dies in Police Custody
Inquiry Ongoing Following Death of Man in Police Custody
Additional Resources
- WIS TV
- Wikipedia: Police Accountability
- WRDW
- Google Search: Byron Jackson Irmo
- WLTX
- Google Scholar: Irmo Police Department
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Discipline
- WACH.com
- 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.
