LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed charges against a Michigan State Police Detective Sergeant after his unmarked cruiser fatally struck a fleeing 25-year-old man.
Police say officers tried to arrest Samuel Sterling of Kentwood on April 17 on outstanding felony warrants at a gas station near 52nd Street and Eastern Avenue. He took off running. Some officers gave chase on foot, and nd was struck by the cruiser on the sidewalk adjacent to a fast-food restaurant.
Nessel says Sergeant Brian Keely, of Grand Rapids, has been charged with one count of Murder in the Second Degree or, as an alternate charge, one count of Involuntary Manslaughter. That latter is a 15-year felony.
Nessel said her department believes Keely's actions were,"Grossly negligent and created a very high risk of death or great bodily harm, which could have otherwise been prevented.”
Shortly before noon on April 17, 2024, Michigan State Police D/Sgt Keely, as part of the MSP Sixth District Fugitive Task Force attempted to bring Samuel Sterling into custody when Sterling fled by foot. A number of MSP troopers and other local law enforcement agents proceeded to chase Sterling, both in their vehicles and by foot, when the unmarked vehicle D/Sgt Keely was driving turned and struck Sterling in a nearby fast-food restaurant parking lot. Sterling was transported to the University of Michigan Metro Health Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries later that day.
“Public integrity is a top priority for my Department and we remain committed to providing a thorough and just review and resolution in each case brought before us,” said Nessel.
D/Sgt Keely will be arraigned in the 62-B District Court in Kentwood, the arraignment has not yet been scheduled.
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