Death by Cop 2021-2025
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Samuel Sterling
Gender : Male
Age : 25
Race : Black
Date : 04/17/2024
Location : 5260 Eastern Ave SE.
City : Kentwood
County : Kent
State : Michigan
Agency : Michigan State Police
Officer(s) :Det. Sgt. Brian Keely
Cause of Death : Vehicle
Event : Pedestrian running from police killed by unmarked cruiser
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On April 17, 2024, at approximately 11:25 a.m., the Michigan State Police Sixth District Fugitive Team, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, attempted to arrest 25-year-old Samuel Sterling, who was wanted on multiple outstanding warrants. Officers located Sterling at a gas station near 52nd Street and Eastern Avenue in Kentwood. Upon approach, Sterling fled on foot. During the pursuit, Detective Sergeant Brian Keely, operating an unmarked police vehicle, struck Sterling in the parking lot of a nearby Burger King, pinning him against the building's wall. Sterling sustained multiple blunt force injuries and was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:15 p.m.
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LEGAL PROCEEDINGS:
Following the incident, Detective Sergeant Keely was suspended pending investigation. On May 28, 2024, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that Keely was charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter for his actions leading to Sterling's death. Keely pleaded not guilty to both charges during his arraignment. He retired from the Michigan State Police shortly before his arraignment.
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TOTAL FATALITIES DURING THIS INCIDENT: 1 fatality: Samuel Sterling
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.woodtv.com/news/kent-county/death-certificate-man-hit-by-unmarked-cruiser-had-multiple-blunt-force-injuries/
https://apnews.com/article/5b6ee791dc09145f7c6128c8144ae9d9
https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/retired-michigan-state-police-detective-headed-trial-samuel-sterlings-murder.
