Officials: Two Irmo Police Officers placed on administrative leave after suspect dies in custody

IRMO, SC (WOLO)- Irmo Police say two officers have been placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of a SLED investigation, after a suspect died in custody.

According to Irmo Police, an altercation with a suspect took place on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at approximately 2:05 a.m.

Police say they responded to a report of a possible fight occurring inside a vehicle in the New Friarsgate area and when they arrived, officers attempted to make contact with the vehicle involved. The vehicle fled the scene, and a brief pursuit ensued, ending next to the Dollar General located in the 7800 Block of Broad River Road, say police.

According to officials, the driver, identified as a 45-year-old male, engaged in an altercation with officers before being taken into custody.

Shortly after being restrained, the suspect began having trouble breathing, according to Police.  EMS was dispatched and responded to the scene say police, where officers and EMS began life-saving measures, including CPR, while transporting the individual to the hospital.

Irmo police say, 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.

Police say 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, say Irmo Police.

In a release, Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale responded, “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. Our commitment is to transparency,
accountability, and ensuring the public’s trust in our department remains strong.”