MI Trooper Charged With Murder After Striking Fleeing Man With Car: AG

KENTWOOD, MI — A Michigan State trooper is facing a murder charge in connection with a deadly crash that happened last month in west Michigan, according to the Michigan Attorney General's Office.

Samuel Sterling, 25, of Kentwood, was struck by an unmarked Michigan State Police SUV at a parking lot in Kentwood during a police chase shortly before noon on April 17, according to prosecutors.

Sterling was taken to University of Michigan Metro Health Hospital, where he died later that day, according to prosecutors.

Detective Sgt. Brian Keely, 50, of Grand Rapids, was charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. The second-degree murder is a life felony, and involuntary manslaughter is a 15-year felony. His next court date was not yet scheduled.

"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," Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said.

Sterling was putting air in his tires near 52nd Street and Eastern Avenue in Kentwood on the morning of April 17 when he was found by police who were looking for him on felony warrants, according to police.

When officers approached Sterling, he ran away and started a chase, according to police.

An unmarked SUV that Keely was driving eventually struck Sterling in a nearby fast-food parking lot, according to police.

Investigators determined the incident was an accident, but the Michigan Attorney General's Office still opted to charge the trooper in connection with the crash.