KENTWOOD, Mich. – A Michigan State Police trooper is charged with murdering a man he struck with an unmarked SUV in the parking lot of a fast food restaurant.
Officials said Detective Sgt. Brian Keely, 50, of Grand Rapids, was part of a fugitive task force trying to take Samuel Sterling into custody on April 17, 2024.
Sterling fled on foot shortly before noon, sparking a chase involving state troopers and other law enforcement agencies.
Sterling was in the parking lot of a Kentwood fast food restaurant when Keely struck him with the unmarked vehicle he was driving, according to authorities.
Officials said Sterling died later that day at the University of Michigan Metro Health Hospital.
On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel charged Keely with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.
Second-degree murder is a life felony, and involuntary manslaughter is a 15-year felony.
“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,” Nessel said.
Nessel argues Keely was grossly negligent and created a high risk of death or great bodily harm that could have been prevented.
Keely will be arraigned at 62-B District Court in Kentwood, but that court date has not yet been scheduled.
