KENTWOOD, Mich. — Michigan State Police shared a brief update on the status of their investigation into the death of a 25-year-old West Michigan man fatally struck during an arrest last week.
Michigan State Police said Samuel Sterling died at the hospital last week as a result of getting hit by an unmarked MSP vehicle.
According to the agency, he was putting air in his tires at a gas station at 52nd Street and Eastern Avenue when he was found by multiple agencies looking for him on felony warrants on Wednesday, April 17.
Several officers chased him, including an unmarked Michigan State Police vehicle.
Police said when he was approached by officers, he ran away, leading to a chase that ended with the police vehicle striking him.
Sterling later died at the hospital from his injuries.
Michigan State Police said within hours, they launched a full investigation.
The officer who was driving the vehicle that struck Sterling was suspended, which is policy.
The Fifth District Investigative Response Team (IRT) is tasked with investigating this case.
MSP also shared Thursday that evidence they collect will be shared with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
It's MSP policy for the Attorney General to review the case and determine if any criminal charges will result.
"When I spoke with Mr. Sterling’s family last week, I assured them the Michigan State Police is committed to the pursuit of justice and will conduct an impartial and thorough investigation,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “I would like to thank the Office of Attorney General for coming alongside us in this investigation and for their commitment to conducting a timely review of the evidence in the case.”
“My public integrity unit has investigated dozens of police-involved incidents and is dedicated to providing a thorough and just review and resolution in each one,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “Public integrity is a top priority for my department, which is why we have grown the unit, allowing us to take on all criminal reviews of events involving an on-duty Michigan State Police trooper.”
The family of 25-year-old Samuel Sterling has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump.
Crump's law firm said in a statement they are seeking justice.
"It is unconscionable that Sameul Sterling was run over by a police officer's vehicle in broad daylight. The Michigan State Police officers involved in Samuel's death should be swiftly and thoroughly investigated for this senseless and preventable tragedy," Crump said.
"Samuel's parents will never be able to hold their son again and his own children will grow up without a father. We demand answers and are seeking justice and accountability on behalf of Samuel's family."
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