News Summary
The Irmo Police Department is investigating the death of Byron Jackson, a 45-year-old man who died while in police custody. Following a vehicle pursuit, officers used a Taser on Jackson, who subsequently showed signs of distress and suffered cardiac arrest. His family is seeking answers and transparency regarding the circumstances of his death, as the incident has raised questions about police procedures. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is reviewing footage from the incident as part of the ongoing investigation.
Irmo Police Investigate Death of Man in Custody Following Family’s Claims for Answers
The Irmo Police Department is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Byron Jackson, a 45-year-old man who died in their custody last month. This inquiry comes in response to the family’s public demands for clarity regarding the events that led to Jackson’s death.
During a media conference held earlier this week, family members, accompanied by their attorneys, expressed their concerns and called for transparency in the investigation. Jackson’s death has raised significant questions about the actions taken by the police during the incident, which unfolded following a vehicle pursuit.
The incident occurred on June 22 when law enforcement attempted to pull Jackson over. Rather than complying, he fled in his vehicle, leading officers on a brief pursuit. After the chase concluded, officers used a Taser on Jackson while attempting to restrain him. Following this, witnesses reported that Jackson began to show signs of distress, experiencing difficulty in breathing.
As officers proceeded with the restraint, they became aware of potential narcotics-related issues after discovering drug paraphernalia inside Jackson’s vehicle. Recognizing the severity of the situation, they quickly transported him to a nearby hospital. During this transport, officers notified Jackson’s mother about the unfolding events.
Tragically, Jackson suffered cardiac arrest while en route to the hospital and subsequently passed away days later, prompting further scrutiny of the police’s role in the incident. Police Chief Bobby Dale stated that the case is currently under investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which is reviewing body camera and dash camera footage from the incident.
The family’s attorney has formally requested the release of this video footage, which they believe may provide crucial insights into the unfolding of the tragic events. The attorney argues that transparency is critical for understanding what led to Jackson’s death while in police custody.
This case comes amidst growing public discourse over police practices and accountability, particularly in situations involving the use of force and the treatment of individuals in custody. As investigations continue, community members and advocates are calling for thorough examinations of police procedures and the necessity for reform in handling similar incidents.
Jackson’s family is seeking answers not only for themselves but for the broader community, hoping that this case will shed light on how law enforcement interacts with individuals who may be facing medical emergencies, especially those involving narcotics. Their plea emphasizes the need for policies that protect the rights and well-being of individuals while under police supervision.
As the investigation progresses, the Irmo Police Department has pledged cooperation with the SLED’s investigation and is committed to ensuring that the findings are shared with the public to promote accountability and transparency. Community stakeholders are closely monitoring the developments, awaiting further updates from law enforcement regarding the outcomes of their investigation.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX News
- Wikipedia: Police Brutality
- The State
- Google Search: Irmo Police Department Investigation
- Post and Courier
- Google Scholar: Police Accountability
- Charleston City Paper
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- NPR
- 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.
