Byron Jackson, 45, of North Augusta, died while in Irmo Police custody following an incident on Broad River Road that occurred on Sunday, June 22. 

A press release from the department stated that Irmo police officers responded to a possible fight happening in a vehicle in the New Friarsgate area. When officers arrived, they attempted to make contact with the vehicle.

The vehicle fled, and a pursuit ensued, ending near the Dollar General on the 7800 Block of Broad River Road. 

Jackson was identified as the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, and before being taken into custody, he engaged in an altercation with the responding officers, the release said.

After being restrained, Jackson began having trouble breathing. EMS was dispatched to the scene and life-saving measures began, including CPR, as they transported him to the hospital.

On Monday, June 23, the Irmo Police Department contacted the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to conduct an investigation on the incident.

The department was then notified that Jackson had died on Wednesday, June 25. 

“This is a tragic situation, and our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the individual involved. We take incidents like this with the utmost seriousness and are fully cooperating with SLED’s independent investigation,” Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale said in the release. “Our commitment is to transparency, accountability, and ensuring the public's trust in our department remains strong.”

The release stated the two Irmo police officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the SLED investigation.