A Michigan community is reeling after a local man was fatally struck by an unmarked police car, sparking demands for accountability and transparency from law enforcement. Samuel Sterling, 25, was hit by a Michigan State Police (MSP) cruiser on Wednesday and died from his injuries. The incident occurred in a Burger King parking lot in Kentwood. The family of the deceased, joined by local activists and community members, organized a gathering at the scene to demand the release of footage depicting the events and to call for charges against the officer involved.
"Please, help us get justice for my son, Samuel," Sterling's mother, Andrica, emotionally implored the crowd, as nearly 100 people assembled in echo of her pain. "Justice for Samuel. Release the tape. Name that officer," they chanted in solidarity, channeling collective grief into a rallying cry for justice. Michigan State Police disclosed Sterling was targeted by multiple agencies on felony warrants when he attempted to flee on foot, leading to the fatal encounter. According to WOODTV, Sterling's loved ones and community advocates have been vocal in their demands, calling attention to the circumstance with homemade signs and a family wracked by loss.
Saturday's protest saw Sterling remembered both for the defiant stand against what critics see as an overreach of police protocol and the more personal loss of a man described by his cousin, Maya Lyons, as "always there, you call him, he was coming." According to FOX 17, Sterling was mourned as an individual whose athleticism and smile brightened the lives of those around him, while anger simmered over the narrative around his death.
MSP has since suspended the officer involved and assured a thorough investigation is underway. "As an African American male and a father, it's not lost on me that this is the death of another young African American male following an interaction with police," MSP head Col. James F. Grady II told WZZM 13. Col. Grady added, "I want to assure the community that we see you, hear you, and will thoroughly and expeditiously investigate the incident." However, Sterling's family and supporters remain staunch, with his oldest sister, Anastasia Herring, insisting to WZZM 13, "We want to see it now," referring to the surveillance footage of the tragic episode.
