News Summary
Byron Jackson, a 45-year-old man, died in a hospital after a confrontation with Irmo police. An investigation by SLED is underway, as the specific cause of death remains unknown. Jackson fled from police, leading to a pursuit and physical struggle. His family contests police claims regarding drug paraphernalia. The police chief stated that involved officers are on administrative leave while Jackson’s family demands transparency and access to body camera footage.
Irmo, South Carolina — Byron Jackson, a 45-year-old man, died at a hospital on June 25 following a confrontation with Irmo police on June 22. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has launched an investigation into the incident, with the exact cause of Jackson’s death still pending release from authorities.
The Irmo Police Department has provided a timeline of events related to the incident. Police received a call around 2:05 a.m. on June 22 regarding an “altercation inside of a vehicle.” According to the police report, when officers approached the vehicle, Jackson fled, initiating a police pursuit that ended after he crashed into debris near a former Dollar General store.
Following the crash, police allege that Jackson exited the vehicle, kicked open the door, and ran away despite officers’ commands. Jackson reportedly engaged in a physical struggle with the officers, who then utilized a Taser, in accordance with department protocol. After being subdued, Jackson began experiencing difficulty breathing, prompting officers to request emergency medical services.
While Jackson’s ID was not located at the scene, law enforcement reportedly found drug-related paraphernalia, leading them to inform EMS of a potential narcotics-related emergency. Jackson’s family has contested these claims, suggesting that such assertions are an attempt to discredit him.
The timeline provided by police indicated that the SLED crime scene unit was contacted from the scene around 4 a.m. However, approximately 17 hours later, at around 7:15 p.m. on June 22, Jackson’s mother received notification about his hospitalization. Jackson succumbed to his condition nearly three days later, at 5:24 p.m. on June 25.
The Irmo Police Chief, Bobby Dale, announced that both officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues. Jackson’s family has expressed frustration over the police’s delay in sharing information and questioned why it took so long to inform them of Jackson’s medical status after the encounter.
An official incident report released to the public contains redacted information, obscuring critical details of the event. The family’s attorney has stressed the importance of transparency and has called for the release of body camera footage to provide further clarity about the circumstances surrounding Jackson’s death.
It has since emerged that Jackson had not been formally arrested nor charged at the time of his death. This clarification has raised additional questions about police procedures and the events leading up to the confrontation. The Richland County Coroner’s Office continues its ongoing autopsy process, and SLED has not provided any further updates since taking over the investigation.
Jackson’s family and their legal counsel are adamant in requesting access to body camera and dash camera footage related to the incident, citing concerns over discrepancies between the family’s account of events and the police’s portrayal. They are demanding answers about the handling of the case and the protocols followed by the Irmo Police Department throughout the incident.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains essential for all parties involved to address the lingering questions surrounding Byron Jackson’s death and the actions of law enforcement during the encounter.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Byron Jackson Death Incident Report
- ABC News: South Carolina Man’s Family Seeks Answers
- WISTV: Questions Surrounding Irmo Police Custody Death
- WACH: Family Attorney Accuses Irmo Police of Inconsistencies
- The State: Irmo Police Investigation of Byron Jackson’s Death
- Wikipedia: Byron Jackson
- Google Search: Byron Jackson Irmo
- Google Scholar: Byron Jackson Irmo
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Byron Jackson
- Google News: Byron Jackson 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.
