The Irmo Police Department released a statement July 16 in response to Byron Jackson's family asking for transparency and body camera footage from his arrest.
"We typically do not share investigative details with the media during such sensitive times," Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale said in a statement.
"However, in response to requests from the media and family’s legal representative, we are releasing this information in hopes it provides clarity and helps the family find answers," he added.
Forty-five-year-old Byron Jackson was arrested on June 22 when Irmo police officers responded to a call about a possible fight inside a vehicle in the New Friarsgate area.
After an altercation with police, Jackson was taken to the hospital where he was put on life support. He died in the hospital on June 25.
The statement provided this timeline of events that led up to Jackson's death after he was arrested early morning on June 22:
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INCIDENT TIMELINE:
June 22, 2025, 2:05 AM
On June 22, 2025, the Irmo Police Department responded to a report of a possible altercation inside of a vehicle. As officers attempted to approach the vehicle in question, the driver of the vehicle fled the scene.
Officers pursued the vehicle to the rear of a vacant building (former Dollar General) located at 7812 Broad River Road.
June 22, 2025, approximately 2:20 AM
The fleeing vehicle, later confirmed to be driven by 45-year-old Byron Jackson, crashed into a pile of debris behind the building. Mr. Jackson exited the vehicle by forcefully kicking open the driver’s side door and fled on foot, ignoring multiple commands from officers.
Upon apprehension, Mr. Jackson resisted arrest and engaged in a physical altercation with officers. Following departmental protocol, a drive-stun Taser was deployed to subdue him and safely place him under arrest.
Shortly after being restrained, Mr. Jackson appeared to be having difficulty breathing. Officers immediately called for EMS assistance. While one officer monitored Mr. Jackson’s medical condition, the other searched the vehicle for identification. Though no ID was found, officers did locate drug paraphernalia.
EMS was informed of the possibility of a narcotics-related medical emergency.
While enroute to Richland Memorial Hospital, Mr. Jackson experienced cardiac arrest. CPR and other lifesaving measures were performed by EMS personnel and the accompanying Irmo officer.
June 22, 2025, approximately 4:00 AM
Due to the altercation with officers and the possibility of a medical emergency, the SLED Crime Scene Unit was notified and arrived to assist in processing the scene at 7218 Broad River Road.
June 22, 2025, approximately 7:15 PM
Officers notified Mr. Jackson’s mother, who was in North Augusta, that her son had been taken by ambulance to the hospital.
June 25, 2025, at 5:24 PM
The Irmo Police Department was notified that Mr. Jackson, who had been on life-support, passed away.
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Jackson's family held a press conference on July 15, in which their lawyer Bakari Sellers said the Irmo Police Department waited over 24 hours to contact SLED after the incident.
Sellers also said the family was not notified properly.
He is urging Irmo Police to release the body camera footage.
“Even though there’s an investigation going on, pending right now, we do know that the Irmo Police Department can release the bodycam,” he said. “We do know the bodycam footage does exist, and we’re asking them to do that.”
Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale said in a statement that body and dash camera footage is a part of SLED's active investigation.
