Detective Sergeant Brian Keely, an officer with the Michigan State Police, has been charged with murder after allegedly fatally striking a suspect, Samuel Sterling, with a vehicle during a police chase near Grand Rapids. The tragic incident occurred on April 17 when Sterling, 25, attempted to flee from officers and was pursued both on foot and by vehicles.
Keely, 50, was driving an unmarked pickup truck during the pursuit. As Sterling ran through the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant in Kentwood, Keely maneuvered the truck and struck Sterling. Body-worn camera footage shared by the Michigan State Police showed Sterling falling to the ground, screaming in pain. He was subsequently taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that Keely has been charged with one count of intentional manslaughter, which could lead to a life sentence, and an alternative count of involuntary manslaughter. Nessel emphasized that Keely's actions were legally negligent and created a significant risk of death or great bodily harm, which could have been avoided.
Footage from the scene reveals that multiple officers were involved in the chase, and the moment Sterling was struck was captured on police cameras. The videos show Sterling running into the parking lot when a large gray van hit him, pinning him against a restaurant's wall. Officers rushed to Sterling, who was in visible pain and repeatedly complained about his back and body.
Keely has been suspended from his duties since the incident, pending further investigation. While his attorney, Marc Curtis, argues that the death was an accident that could have been prevented if Sterling had complied with police orders, the Attorney General's review suggests otherwise. Curtis claims that Keely, described as a religious man, is heartbroken over Sterling's death and maintains that political pressure influenced the charges.
Sterling's family, through their attorney Ven Johnson, has expressed shock and grief, yet welcomed the charges against Keely. Johnson insists that Keely used his vehicle as a deadly weapon with full awareness of the potential consequences. The family vows to continue seeking justice and holding those responsible accountable.
Authorities have not disclosed the reasons behind the initial arrest attempt, merely stating that Sterling was wanted on multiple warrants. The Michigan State Police and the Attorney General's Office have assured the public of a thorough and fair investigation into the incident.
- Attorney General Dana Nessel's office completed their review of the case after the Michigan State Police voluntarily turned over all evidence, including body-worn camera footage, on May 10. This evidence was crucial in establishing the sequence of events and the nature of Keely's actions on the day of the incident.
- The community and local activists are closely watching the developments in the case, as it adds to the ongoing dialogue about police conduct and accountability, especially concerning interactions with African American individuals. The Michigan State Police has acknowledged the community's pain and pledged to address any concerns impartially.
- Legal experts suggest that the outcome of Keely's arraignment and subsequent trial could set a significant precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future. The charges laid against Keely reflect broader efforts to ensure law enforcement officers are held to the same legal standards as civilians.
