KENTWOOD, Mich. — The legal team for the family of Samuel Sterling released security footage on Friday, showing the moment the 25-year-old was hit by an unmarked police car, resulting in his death.
In an emergency press conference held at Renaissance Church of God in Christ in Grand Rapids, attorneys spoke on the video, shared with the family by an unnamed, non-law enforcement source.
"My god, it's unfathomable that you will run over a person who's running from you," said civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who led the press conference.
"Haven't we seen enough? Haven't we seen enough?" Ven Johnson, a Detroit-based lawyer, added.
On Wednesday, April 17, Sterling was hit by an unmarked police car driven by a member of the Michigan State Police Sixth District Fugitive Team at a Burger King parking lot in Kentwood.
Michigan State Police (MSP) say the team, along with other law enforcement agencies, tried to find and arrest Sterling that day for several outstanding warrants.
READ MORE: Man hit, killed by unmarked police car wanted for probation violation
"Set the record straight," said former Kent County Commissioner Robert Womack to a crowd in the church sanctuary. "The community is saying that this [was] intentional, very intentional."
During the attempted arrest, MSP says Sterling ran, leading to the chase that ended in the deadly collision.
"They treated him like a criminal, as if they were the judge, the jury, and the executioner," Crump said.
On Friday, attorneys representing Sterling's family shared surveillance video with FOX 17, showing the crash.
They also claimed to possess photos from the crash scene, showing Sterling lying on the ground after the collision, hurting and in handcuffs.
**WARNING: This video shows the moment of impact. Please view with caution.**
EDITOR'S NOTE: This video depicts only a snapshot of the complete chase and crash. FOX 17 has requested dash cam and body camera video from law enforcement through a Freedom of Information Act Request.
Michigan State Police released an official statement the following day, saying its investigation into the deadly incident would be, "thorough and objective."
READ MORE: MSP releases official statement after man hit, killed by unmarked cruiser
FOX 17 reached out to state police Friday after receiving the surveillance video from the Sterling family's attorneys. MSP Director Col. James F. Grady II offered the following statement:
“The Michigan State Police (MSP) places the highest priority on protecting Michiganders’ lives and remain steadfast in our commitment to the pursuit of justice.
“The MSP continues to move expeditiously to conduct a complete and thorough investigation. Based on the seriousness of the situation, the MSP member involved was placed on unpaid suspension on the day of the incident.
“All information, including video evidence, will be turned over to the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, who will review the case to determine whether criminal charges will result. The Michigan State Police Troopers Association contract prohibits the release of a member’s name unless they are charged with a crime.
“I assure the public and the Sterling and Cage families that we are working diligently to complete this investigation and provide the Attorney General’s Office with everything they need to reach a decision.”
Earlier this week, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office announced it will decide whether Sterling's death will lead to any potential charges.
READ MORE: Attorney General involved in investigation into death of Samuel Sterling
Friday evening, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten’s office issued the statement below.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the FBI Field Office Detroit are monitoring the ongoing state investigation into the circumstances that led to the tragic death of Samuel Sterling. We will continue to coordinate with our state and local law enforcement partners. If in the course of the state investigation, evidence reveals a potential violation of federal criminal statues, we will take appropriate action.”
The funeral for Samuel Sterling will be held on Saturday, April 27.
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