The man who died while in police custody on Wednesday, June 25 has been identified as Byron Jackon, 45, of North Augusta. No details as to the cause of death have been released by the Richland County Coroner Nadia Rutherford. In a statement to media Rutherford said, ‘We will continue working with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to fully investigate this incident.”
Jackson was arrested after a brief pursuit by Irmo Police following a response to a possible fight inside a vehicle. When officers arrived on the scent the vehicle fled and was stopped near the Dollar General on the 7800 block of Broad River Rd. near Royal Tower Rd.
Jackson resisted the police efforts to detain him and once taken into custody began having breathing problems.
IPD immediately contacted EMS Services for assistance and attempted life-saving CPR measures until emergency personnel arrived. Jackson was taken to a local hospital and South Carolina Law Enforcement was called in to investigate.
Tow Irmo Police Officers were placed on leave in accordance with department policy while SLED completes it’s investigation into the incident.
The Irmo Police Department released the following statement:
On Sunday, June 22, 2025, at approximately 2:05 am, Irmo Police officers responded to a report of a possiblefight occurring inside a vehicle in the New Friarsgate area. Upon arrival, officers attempted to make contact with thevehicle involved. The vehicle fled the scene, and a brief pursuit ensued, ending next to theDollar General located inthe 7800 Block of Broad River Road.
The driver, identified as a 45-year-old male and the sole occupant of the vehicle, engaged in an altercation with officers before being taken into custody. Shortly after being restrained, the suspect began having trouble breathing. EMS was immediately dispatched and responded to the scene. Officers and EMS personnel initiated life-saving measures, including CPR, while transporting the individual to the hospital.
Given the critical nature of the suspect’s condition, the Irmo Police Department contacted the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) on Monday, June 23, to conduct an independent investigation. On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, the department was notified that the individual had passed away.
Per department policy and in the interest of transparency, two Irmo Police officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the SLED investigation
