Slain Melvindale Police officer had Coldwater ties

COLDWATER — Members of the local Arab community are mourning the death of slain Melvindale Police Officer and former Coldwater resident Mohamed Said, 23.

Monday, Coldwater City Councilman Chad Johnson took part in the search for and capture of the alleged killer.

Johnson missed the Monday night council meeting as part of the Michigan Department of Corrections Fugitive Task Force with others searching for Michael Lopez.

Lopez, 44, was arrested in the 3400 block of Gilbert St. in southwest Detroit on Monday, the D etroit Free Press reported.

Branch County Circuit Courtroom Video Clerk Harwan Alaatre said during Monday prayers, members of the Coldwater Mosque held a special remembrance for Said, who was killed in a shooting Sunday while on duty.

Local Mosque members plan to attend the Friday services in Dearborn for Said, who lived in Coldwater as a child with family members before moving to Melvindale, Alaatre said.

Coldwater Public Safety Director Joe Scheid said just after the announcement of the death he noticed a somber tone at his department and talked to officers.

Officer Nooh Aljabaly told Scheid, “They had played soccer and wrestled together when they were little.”

Alaatre said he did not know Said personally. “I know his grandparents, his uncles, who all lived here. He did for a little bit as well.”

Coldwater Police added a black band to their badges Sunday.

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A post on the department’s Facebook page said, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Melvindale Police on the tragic loss of one of their own. Our Thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and coworkers. This young officer will be forever honored, forever remembered. Rest in peace, brave soul.”

— Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Slain Melvindale Police officer had Coldwater ties