News Summary
Two officers from the Irmo Police Department are under administrative leave as SLED investigates the death of a suspect following an altercation while in custody. The suspect, who was in a vehicle involved in a disturbance, struggled with officers and later experienced difficulty breathing. Despite attempts at resuscitation, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The incident has raised concerns about police conduct and the treatment of individuals in custody, prompting community scrutiny as the investigation unfolds.
Irmo, South Carolina – Two police officers from the Irmo Police Department have been placed on administrative leave as the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigates a suspect’s death that occurred following an altercation in custody. The incident was reported early Sunday, June 22, 2025.
Officers responded to a disturbance call around 2:05 a.m. in the New Friarsgate area, where a possible fight was occurring inside a vehicle. Upon police arrival, the vehicle sped away, prompting a brief pursuit that concluded next to a Dollar General store located in the 7800 Block of Broad River Road.
The driver, a 45-year-old male and the sole occupant of the vehicle, reportedly engaged in a physical struggle with officers before they were able to take him into custody. Shortly after being restrained, the suspect began experiencing difficulty breathing.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were called to the scene, where they attempted life-saving measures, including CPR, while transporting the suspect to a local hospital. However, after the Irmo Police Department contacted SLED on June 23, due to the suspect’s rapidly deteriorating condition, they were informed on June 25 that the individual had succumbed to his injuries.
In accordance with department policy, the two officers directly involved have been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is underway. Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale has stated that the department takes incidents of this nature very seriously and is cooperating fully with SLED to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted.
In light of this unfortunate incident, Chief Dale has expressed condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, reiterating the department’s commitment to transparency and accountability in order to maintain public trust.
This tragedy highlights the critical balance police departments strive to maintain between enforcing the law and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of those in custody. Unfortunately, as this case demonstrates, the situation can quickly escalate, leading to dire consequences.
Currently, no further information will be released to the public as the investigation is ongoing. The Irmo community remains on edge as they await details on the outcome of the investigation and the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death. The administrative leave status of the officers involved reflects ongoing departmental policies aimed at transparency and accountability during such serious inquiries.
This incident marks a pivotal moment for both the Irmo Police Department and community members as they navigate the implications of law enforcement practices and the safeguarding of civil rights. Stakeholders are hopeful that the investigation by SLED will yield comprehensive insights into the events that transpired and provide clarity moving forward.
More updates are anticipated as the investigation progresses, and the community continues to seek answers regarding the incident that has now raised both concerns and questions about police conduct and the treatment of suspects in custody.
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Additional Resources
- WISTV: Two Irmo Police Officers Placed on Leave
- Google Search: Irmo Police Department investigation
- WLTX: South Carolina Police Custody Death Investigation
- Wikipedia: Police Brutality
- ABC Columbia: Officials Place Two Irmo Police Officers on Leave
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
- WACH: Two Officers on Leave After Custody Death
- Google News: Irmo Police Department officers investigation
