GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- A federal judge is ruling a civil lawsuit against a former Michigan State Police detective sergeant must be paused while his criminal case plays out in court.
Judge Hala Jarbou ruled the case will be put on hold while the criminal proceedings are determined.
Brian Keely's attorneys argued that while the criminal case is being appealed, Keely cannot participate in preparations for the civil case without risking self-incrimination. His attorneys also argued the appeals court may make a relevant ruling on qualified immunity.
In 2024, Samuel Sterling ran away from a task force attempting to arrest him in Kentwood. Officers chased him and then-Sgt. Keely hit him with an unmarked police cruiser. Sterling later died at the hospital.
Keely is charged with second-degree murder in connection to the incident.
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