The family of a Black man who died after being struck by an unmarked police car in Michigan has spoken out following the release of body camera footage by investigators.
Michigan State Police have completed their investigation into the death of Samuel Sterling and have turned over their report and all evidence to the state attorney general’s office. Samuel Sterling was involved in a police pursuit in Kentwood on April 17 and sadly lost his life during the incident. The police have taken the necessary steps to ensure a thorough investigation and have now passed on their findings to the appropriate authorities.
According to police, Sterling, 25, reportedly ran away when officers approached him at a gas station. Subsequently, he was struck by an unmarked Michigan State Police car after officers surrounded him at a parking lot near a Burger King. Tragically, Sterling passed away later that day at the hospital.
In the recently released body camera footage, officers can be seen quickly approaching Sterling, who is lying on the ground and expressing his pain while stating that he does not possess a firearm. The video also captures an unmarked police vehicle parked on the curb near the restaurant where Sterling is situated.
Attorney Ven Johnson, who is representing Sterling’s family, expressed shock and outrage at the actions of the MSP trooper. In a statement to ABC News, he explained how they were taken aback and appalled to witness the deliberate act of the trooper driving over a curb and onto a sidewalk, ultimately causing Samuel’s death by forcefully striking him with an unmarked police car.
Johnson emphasized the importance of not allowing any individual to take on the roles of judge, jury, and executioner. However, it is disheartening to see that instances of police brutality and excessive force resulting in deaths persist.
The officers can be observed placing handcuffs on Sterling while instructing the firefighters who arrived at the scene to maintain the restraints.
On Friday, the Michigan State Police, Grand Rapids Police Department, and Wyoming Police Department, who were all part of the fugitive task force, released footage from four sources. The footage included three officers’ body camera footage and one dash camera from a police vehicle, according to the Michigan State Police.
MSP director Col. James F. Grady II, who had a meeting with the Sterling and Cage families on Friday, stated that they are committed to maintaining transparency throughout the investigation. He assured both families and the communities we serve that they will fully cooperate with the Michigan Department of Attorney General as they commence their review.
According to a statement from the Michigan State Police, the state police trooper involved in the incident with Sterling was not equipped with a body camera. Additionally, his vehicle did not have a dash camera. The statement explained that this was due to the trooper’s assignment on a federal task force.
Following the incident, the state police initiated an investigation and promptly suspended the trooper involved. In order to maintain the integrity of the ongoing probe, the identity of the trooper has not been disclosed. Furthermore, the suspension was implemented without pay.
According to a statement by attorney Marc E. Curtis, the trooper involved in the case is fully cooperating with the investigation, as reported by ABC News.
In a heartfelt statement, Curtis expressed his condolences to the family and community, acknowledging their grief over the tragic loss of Mr. Sterling. He emphasized that the Trooper involved in the incident is devastated by the loss and wants the family to understand that there was no intention to cause harm to Mr. Sterling.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel will carefully review the police report and evidence to determine if there is sufficient grounds to press charges.
In a recent statement, Attorney General Nessel emphasized the commitment of her public integrity unit to thoroughly and fairly investigate numerous police-involved incidents.
In a statement on Friday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her strong disapproval of Sterling’s death, deeming it as “unacceptable.” She further urged for the immediate termination of the officer involved, should charges be filed.
The governor expressed his confidence in Nessel’s office, stating that he believes they will promptly reach a fair and just decision on whether criminal charges should be pursued.
