News Summary
The Irmo Police Department faces heightened scrutiny after the death of Byron Jackson, a North Augusta man, following a police altercation involving a Taser during an arrest attempt. Jackson’s family seeks transparency as calls arise for the release of body camera footage amid controversies surrounding the handling of the incident and the police’s changing statements regarding custody.
Irmo, South Carolina – The Irmo Police Department is under increased scrutiny following the death of a North Augusta man, Byron Jackson, after an altercation involving police officers and the deployment of a Taser during an arrest attempt on June 22, 2025. The 45-year-old was reported to have died in a hospital three days later, with the cause of death yet to be disclosed pending autopsy results.
The incident began around 2:05 a.m. when police were dispatched to a potential disturbance involving Jackson, who was driving a 2012 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 utility van. Upon approaching Jackson’s vehicle, he fled the scene, leading officers on a brief pursuit that ended when he crashed into a pile of pallets behind a vacant building on Broad River Road.
Upon exiting his van, Jackson attempted to run away despite orders from the police to stop. A physical altercation ensued, during which officers deployed a drive-stun Taser in an effort to subdue him. Shortly thereafter, Jackson faced respiratory distress, prompting officers to call for emergency medical services.
While one officer tended to Jackson, the other searched his vehicle, which yielded no identification but did contain drug-related paraphernalia. Jackson was handcuffed behind his back, though the cuffs were later moved to the front due to his struggle to breathe.
Emergency responders performed CPR on Jackson before transporting him to a hospital, where he was admitted as a John Doe early in the morning of June 22. Notably, Jackson’s family was not informed of his hospitalization until approximately 7 p.m. that same day. On June 25, the hospital reported to the Irmo police that Jackson had died.
The details surrounding Jackson’s death have raised alarms, especially as initial statements from the police indicated he died while in their custody. This assertion was later retracted, with police claiming he had never officially been in custody or charged with a crime. Despite the alteration in statements, police documents indicate that Jackson was indeed handcuffed during the incident.
The Irmo Police Department’s inconsistent messaging has prompted calls for transparency from Jackson’s family and their attorney, Bakari Sellers. They are advocating for the release of body camera and dash camera footage from the incident to clarify the circumstances surrounding Jackson’s death.
In response to the incident, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been requested to conduct an investigation. Two officers involved in the arrest have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of this investigation. The event has prompted increased community attention to the policies and conduct of the Irmo Police Department.
Jackson, a father of six children and operator of a family business, had recently been involved in his local community. The incident has sparked a dialogue on the treatment of individuals in police encounters, particularly regarding the use of force and procedures surrounding medical emergencies following such encounters.
As the investigation by SLED continues, Jackson’s family anxiously awaits answers surrounding the details of his untimely death. The situation remains dynamic, continually prompting discussions about police policies and community safety protocols.
In light of the evolving circumstances, authorities are reminded of the importance of transparency and communication with the public, as the incident raises significant concerns about law enforcement practices in the area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Irmo Police Investigate Man’s Death in Custody
Family Demands Transparency Following Man’s Death in Police Custody
Family Seeks Transparency in Police Custody Death
17-Year-Old Charged with Murder in Laurens County Shooting
Family Seeks Justice After Irmo Man’s Death in Police Custody
Additional Resources
- WIS News: Irmo Police Provides Heavily Redacted Police Report
- WLTX: Byron Jackson Death Incident Report
- The State: Byron Jackson Death
- WACH: Irmo Police Share Timeline of Events
- WLTX: Investigation into Byron Jackson Incident
- Wikipedia: Police Brutality
- Google Search: Police Transparency
- Google Scholar: Police Use of Force
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
- Google News: 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.
