LANSING, Mich. — Charges have been filed against a state trooper for the death of 25-year-old Samuel Sterling.
Sterling was hit and killed by an unmarked Michigan State Police (MSP) cruiser on April 17. MSP says Sterling was wanted for several outstanding warrants.
We’re told Sterling ran from troopers, initiating a chase that ended with his death.
SEE MORE: FOX 17 obtains surveillance video showing unmarked police car hit man running from arrest
The Michigan Department of Attorney General announced Tuesday that 50-year-old D/Sgt. Brian Keely faces charges of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.
“Detective Sergeant Keely’s actions that day were legally, grossly negligent and created a very high risk of death or great bodily harm, which could have otherwise been prevented,” Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a video announcing the charges. “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.”
Watch video of the announcement below:
The state says Keely will be arraigned in Kentwood’s district court. An arraignment date has not been set.
Marc E. Curtis, the attorney representing Keely, released the following statement:
"It is unfortunate that in this time of political correctness, Michigan’s Attorney General has chosen to ignore the facts of this incident and rely on political pressure. It is also unfortunate that our Governor, without having seen or heard all the evidence in the case, chose to interject her opinion and side against law enforcement in this matter.
"Detective/Sergeant Keely is a highly trained and decorated Trooper, a 25 year veteran of the Michigan State Police. He was assigned to the Emergency Support Team for 10 years where he was given an award for Bravery and Life Saving actions when he was shot in the chest while rescuing a hostage from being killed. D/Sgt. Keely has been assigned to the U.S. Marshall’s Task Force for several years, making hundreds of arrests without incident. D/Sgt. Keely has over 12 years experience of safely operating police vehicles without a single at fault accident in the performance of his duties. In this pursuit, he operated a vehicle that was unmarked, but equipped with emergency flashing lights and a siren that were activated and is commonly used by law enforcement around the state and country in the apprehension of wanted fugitives.
"The loss of Mr. Sterling’s life is tragic and can never be replaced. D/Sgt. Keely is a man of faith and feels broken-hearted for the Sterling and Cage families.
"However, this was an accident that could have been avoided had Mr. Sterling simply turned himself in prior to the U.S. Marshall’s Task Force being assigned to apprehend him. This accident could have also been avoided if Mr. Sterling would have simply complied with the commands of the Detectives. Mr. Sterling’s action not only put himself in danger but the citizens that were in the area at the time.
"We look forward to bringing all the evidence and facts out before the court in defense of D/Sgt. Keely."
READ MORE: Family, friends mourn Samuel Sterling at his funeral
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