Video Shows State Police Vehicle Hitting Kent Co. Man; he later died

The mother of a man killed last month after a Michigan State Police vehicle struck him and pinned him to a wall said watching video of the incident Friday left her “hurtful and sad.”

Samuel Sterling, 25, was killed April 17 in Kentwood outside Grand Rapids as he fled police officers who were pursuing him after he escaped parole. Michigan State Police officials said Friday they had completed their investigation into the death and released video of the incident.

The approximately 15-minute long video consists of footage from body-worn cameras and dash cameras from Michigan State Police, Grand Rapids Police and Wyoming Police. The footage shows, from multiple angles, an MSP sport utility vehicle crashing into Sterling as police chase him through a parking lot.

The vehicle pushed Sterling against the wall of a Burger King restaurant. He was wanted after escaping probation in June 2022 after being convicted of carrying a concealed weapon, carrying a firearm and unlawfully leaving a vehicle, according to Michigan Department of Corrections records.

Samuel Sterling puts his right foot against a wall when he is struck by an undercover police vehicle and briefly pinned to the wall.

After the crash, Sterling’s moans can be heard. At one point he asked, “Why did you hit me like that?” He later died in a hospital.

The Michigan Attorney General’s Office is investigating the incident and will decide whether to file charges in the case.

Sterling’s relatives were shown the video Friday before state police officials released it to the public. Sterling’s mother, Andrica Cage, called the experience “hurtful and sad.”

“It definitely wasn’t necessary what they did,” Cage said during a phone interview Friday. “You killed my baby. What they did was a disgrace to all people.”

Attorney Ven Johnson, who represents Sterling’s family, said he plans to file a lawsuit in the case.

“MSP informed us today that they have completed their investigation and have turned it over to the AG’s office,” Johnson said. “We appreciate their professionalism in showing us these videos before their release. The AG’s office told us they have begun reviewing and will make a charging decision in any case.”

Johnson said he and Sterling’s relatives met with Michigan State Police Director Col. James Grady on Friday.

“Colonel Grady made it very clear today that he wants everyone to remember that he saw these videos immediately after the incident, and he has suspended this officer (who was driving the SUV) without pay,” Johnson said. “It doesn’t happen very often and it shows that they know they have real problems here.”

“We are very confident that criminal charges will be filed. On behalf of the family, we hope for the fullest prosecution the Attorney General deems appropriate.”

According to a State Police news release Friday: “Due to the number of officers on scene, there are several variations of these videos, but the videos released are the most relevant and comprehensive…The MSP member who was driving the vehicle that struck Mr. Due to his deployment While on a federal task force, Sterling did not wear a body-worn camera and the unmarked vehicle he was driving was not equipped with an in-car camera.

The videos show several police officers chasing Sterling through a parking lot. The state police vehicle can be seen approaching Sterling.

“We need an ambulance here,” an officer shouts. Other police officers are shown handcuffing Sterling before administering first aid.

“Try to lie as still as possible,” an officer advises Sterling.

“Sammy, what’s hurting you?” asks another police officer.

“My back,” Sterling replies.

“Just breathe, don’t move, man,” the officer told him, before assuring him, “An ambulance is on the way.”

Paramedics arrived about five minutes after Sterling was hit, and a police officer told EMS: “The handcuffs need to stay on him…he’s a violent wanted offender.”

The paramedic asks the officer, “Did the car push him into the building, or was he actually trapped between the vehicle and the building?”

“Both,” says the officer.

Grady, the state police director, said in a statement that his office “will continue to be transparent in this investigation and will cooperate fully with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office as it begins its review.”

“The MSP member who was driving the vehicle that struck Mr. Sterling remains suspended pending the outcome of the review by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office and any subsequent criminal proceedings or internal investigation,” Grady said.

The Michigan State Police Troopers Association’s union contract prohibits the release of a trooper’s name or personnel file “unless he or she is accused of a crime,” Grady added.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II both issued statements about the case Friday.

Referring to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, Whitmer said she is “fully confident that her office will work quickly to reach a fair and equitable decision on whether criminal charges are appropriate.”

“Given the video footage showing a deviation from MSP protocols and the department’s high standards, I anticipate that the state of Michigan will take steps to terminate the trooper’s employment if criminal charges are filed,” he added Democratic governor added.

Gilchrist called Sterling’s death “an absolute tragedy.”

“The Sterling family and the Grand Rapids community deserve answers, accountability and justice,” Gilchrist said. “I hear, see and feel the incredible pain people are experiencing right now, along with the trauma this is causing for so many. In my heart, I know that we can build a world where every interaction within our community, especially those with law enforcement, results in a safe outcome for everyone. We must embrace each other as we continue to work toward this goal together.

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