Irmo suspect dies in custody, two police officers placed on leave

IRMO, SC (WOLO) –According to the Irmo Police Department, on Sunday, June 22 at around 2:00 a.m., Irmo Police Officers responded to a report of a possible fight occurring inside a vehicle in the New Friarsgate area.

Upon arrival, officers say they 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.

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.

“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,” says Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale.

No further information will be released at this time pending the results of the ongoing investigation.