In a series of civil lawsuits alleging excessive force, the families of two Michigan men, Riley Doggett and Samuel Sterling, separately struck and killed by police vehicles, are seeking justice. The suits were announced in Detroit on Friday as part of a fight against what attorneys argue is a pattern of dangerous behavior by law enforcement.
According to CBS News Detroit, the incidents involved Doggett, a 17-year-old who was hit by a Kent County Sheriff's cruiser after a car chase on April 8, 2024, and Sterling, a 25-year-old struck by a former Michigan State Police detective on April 17, 2024. The high-profile civil rights attorney Ben Crump stated, "They posed no threat. They both were running away from the officers. So, why would the officers use their automobiles as weapons to kill these young men?"
Protesting what they believe are systemic issues within the law enforcement system, the families claim the police used unnecessary and deadly force, violating the victims' constitutional rights. ClickOnDetroit reports that the lawsuits have been filed against Kent County, Deputy Josiah McMains, and former Detective Sergeant Brian Keely.
While Sgt. Keely faces charges of murder and involuntary manslaughter in the death of Sterling, McMains, who was involved in Doggett's case, has not been charged. Despite measurable public outcry, Kent County prosecutors assert McMains's actions did not warrant criminal charges. "Police officers should not be above the law," Crump told CBS News Detroit.
The legal actions aim to hold the involved officers and departments accountable, with both suits alleging gross negligence. As per FOX 17 Online, attorney Ven Johnson emphasized, "Look at the video. Don't close your eyes. Don't turn away. Look at the video." The aftermath of these tragic events sees the families grappling with their loss and a community questioning the practices of its protectors.
