MSP: Unmarked police car hits, kills man trying to run from arrest

A man was hit and killed by an unmarked police car, according to Michigan State Police.

It happened around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday near 52nd Street and Eastern Avenue in the city of Kentwood.

Police were trying to arrest a man who was wanted for several outstanding felony warrants. That's when troopers say the man started running away.

During the chase, an unmarked fugitive team vehicle hit the suspect, and he was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

MSP released a statement just before 7 p.m. Wednesday saying it just learned the man had died from his injuries.

FOX 17 connected with the man's family members Wednesday evening. They identified him as 25-year-old Samuel Sterling.

Dozens of loved ones gathered for a candlelight vigil just hours after the incident.

"I love you, little cousin. They cut you short, man. But, no justice, no peace — we got you. I didn't get this far for nothing, and God placed me in these positions, man, so we're gonna work together, man. Just keep me in your spirit and I got you," Jermar Sterling, Samuel's cousin, said.

FOX 17

For more than an hour Wednesday evening, family members shared memories of Samuel, and played some of the music he made — all in his honor.

FOX 17

Samuel's father, Michael Sterling, says he was nearby when the incident happened Wednesday. He told FOX 17 that he saw police near Burger King; however, he neither knew what was happening, nor that his son was involved.

"He had a couple warrants, but nothing that [was] serious where, you know, they had to do this to him. So, it was uncalled for to me," he added.

FOX 17

Michigan State Police says its Fifth District Investigative Response Team is handling the investigation, adding, "This investigation requires a very detailed and meticulous process, and we ask that you be patient as we work to gather all of the evidence and facts."

"Our condolences go out to the family of the male who was killed [Wednesday] as well as those first responders involved."

Follow FOX 17: Facebook - X (formerly Twitter) - Instagram - YouTube