(WWJ) A Michigan State Police trooper who ran an unarmed man down with a patrol car and killed him, as he was trying to run away, has been charged with murder.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on Tuesday announced the case against 50-year-old Detective/Sgt. Brian Keely in connection with the death of 25-year-old Samuel Sterling.
On April 1, Keely — who worked with the MSP Fugitive Task Force — located Sterling who had warrant out for his arrest.
As Sterling was fleeing on foot from police in Kentwood, near Grand Rapids, Keely and other officers chased him into a fast food restaurant parking lot where Keely struck him with an unmarked police car.
Sterling later died in the hospital.
On May 10, MSP released dash and body cam video of the incident, and the AG's Office said it was investigating. **PLEASE NOTE: This video is graphic and will be disturbing to many viewers. You can watch it here.
On Tuesday, Nessel said Keely, of Kentwood, has been charged with one count of second degree murder, or alternatively, one count of involuntary manslaughter.
Releasing a video on X announcing the charges, Nessel said Keely's actions were "legally grossly negligent, and created a very high risk of death or great bodily harm that could have otherwise been prevented."
Attorney Ven Johnson, who represents Sterling's family, said it's clear that the trooper intentionally drove the vehicle over a curb, and onto the sidewalk, to reach Sterling. Johnson said a lawsuit may be forthcoming.
Keely, who was suspended from the MSP without pay during the investigation, will be arraigned in the 62-B District Court in Kentwood on a date not yet set.
He could spend up to life in prison if he's convicted on the murder charge. If convicted on the manslaughter charge, he faces up to 15 years in prison.