News Summary
An investigation is underway following the death of Byron Jackson, a 45-year-old man who died after an encounter with Irmo police. Jackson was hospitalized after a police pursuit that ended in a crash. His family disputes police claims about his involvement in drugs and urges for transparency. The community seeks answers as the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division investigates.
Irmo, SC – An investigation is currently underway following the death of Byron Jackson, a 45-year-old man who passed away after an encounter with the Irmo police. Jackson was hospitalized on June 22 and succumbed to his injuries on June 25.
The Irmo Police Department responded to a call around 2 a.m. on June 22 regarding a dispute in a vehicle located in the New Friarsgate area. However, the specific details surrounding the reported argument remain unclear, with Jackson’s family and attorney denying any involvement in a physical altercation.
According to police reports, officers located a white van linked to the incident. When they instructed the driver, later identified as Jackson, to show his hands, he drove away instead. A subsequent pursuit ensued, culminating in Jackson crashing the van into a pile of pallets behind a business on Broad River Road.
During the encounter, authorities allege that Jackson exited the vehicle, kicked open the driver’s side door, and fled on foot, disregarding commands from the officers. This led to a physical confrontation, during which police deployed a Taser. After Jackson was handcuffed, officers reported that he began having difficulty breathing, prompting them to call Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for assistance.
During a search of Jackson’s vehicle, officers claimed to have found drug-related paraphernalia. This assertion has been met with pushback from Jackson’s family, who argue the claim is an attempt to tarnish his reputation.
Jackson was described by those close to him as a devoted father of six who ran a family business. In the wake of his death, his family expressed frustration over the police’s delay in notifying them of his hospitalization, stating they were informed only after more than 24 hours had passed. They reported that he was initially identified as a “John Doe” before they were made aware of the situation.
In response to the incident, Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale announced that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is actively investigating the matter. Officers involved in the encounter have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The Richland County Coroner’s Office has indicated that autopsy results for Jackson are still pending, leaving many questions regarding the circumstances of his death unanswered.
Jackson’s family, along with their attorney, Bakari Sellers, has called for the immediate release of body camera footage from the incident, emphasizing the need for transparency. Sellers pointed out discrepancies in police statements, stating Jackson was never formally arrested or charged, despite earlier claims from the department suggesting he died while in police custody, a statement the department later retracted.
Furthermore, Sellers criticized the police for their handling of the event, asserting that there was no high-speed chase as indicated in police accounts. He described the overall management of the situation as disappointing, noting the inconsistencies in reports that have generated confusion regarding the exact sequence of events surrounding Jackson’s death.
As the investigation continues, the community and Jackson’s family await clarity and answers regarding this tragic incident that left a father and businessman dead.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Byron Jackson Irmo Police Bodycam Investigation
- Wikipedia: Death in Custody
- The State: Man Found Dead Following Irmo Police Encounter
- Google Search: Byron Jackson Irmo Police
- WACH: Irmo Police Inconsistencies After Man’s Death
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Civil Rights
- Post and Courier: Civil Rights and Irmo Police
- Google News: Irmo Police Death Byron Jackson
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, 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 Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
