LANSING, Mich. (AP) – A Michigan State Police trooper has been charged with second-degree murder for striking and killing a 25-year-old man named Samuel Sterling with his unmarked SUV during a pursuit on April 17, 2023. The incident occurred at a gas station located outside Grand Rapids.
Sterling had multiple outstanding warrants for carrying a concealed weapon, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and stealing a financial transaction device. He fled from officers on foot when they attempted to take him into custody.
The pursuit ended tragically when Detective Sergeant Brian Keely's unmarked vehicle struck Sterling as he ran past a Burger King restaurant. The collision pinned Sterling against the building, causing immediate pain and crying out from the victim. He later died in the hospital.
Keely was suspended following the incident, but no arraignment date has been set for him yet.
The Michigan Attorney General's Office conducted an investigation into the incident and concluded that Keely's actions were legally, grossly negligent and created a very high risk of death or great bodily harm that could have otherwise been prevented. The office filed charges against Keely on May 28, 2024.
Sterling's death has reignited anger in the community, particularly since it comes just over two years after the shooting death of Patrick Lyoya by a Grand Rapids police officer. Protests ensued following that incident as well.
Keely was not identified until charges were announced. He had been assigned to the U.S. Marshall's Task Force for several years and had an impressive record with over 12 years of experience in safely operating police vehicles without a single at-fault accident during his duties.
Michigan State Police Director Col. James F. Grady II stated that Keely was not wearing a body-worn camera due to his assignment on the federal task force, and the unmarked vehicle he was driving was not equipped with an in-car camera.
The Michigan Department of Correction records show that Sterling had violated the terms of his probation in June 2022. He had been convicted off carrying a concealed weapon, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and stealing a financial transaction device.
Top state lawmakers swiftly denounced Keely's actions following the release of body camera footage showing the collision. Governor Gretchen Whitmer called Sterling's death unacceptable and a departure from normal protocols. She expects the state to take steps to terminate Keely's employment if criminal charges are issued.
