Manhunt continues for suspect in Melvindale police officer's death; $37,500 reward offered

The manhunt continued Monday for the suspected gunman in the killing of Melvindale police officer Mohamed Said, 23, who was shot at Oakwood and Dix Road in Melvindale a day earlier.

Michael Lopez, 44, is being sought as a suspect and is described as armed and dangerous, Melvindale police said in a Facebook post Sunday afternoon. A $37,500 reward is being offered for information leading to his capture.

Lopez was paroled on June 22, less than a month before the Sunday's shooting. He previously served 12 years for carjacking and assaulting an officer in 2011, according to court records.

Police have cautioned the public not to approach Lopez but call 911 if they see him.

The $37,500 reward is being offered by The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Melvindale Police Department, Michigan State Police and the Police Defense Foundation for information leading to the arrest of Lopez.

What we know: Melvindale police officer Mohamed Said, 23, shot and killed

Said's impact in the community

Colleagues, friends and residents are reeling over the loss of Said, who was a beloved member of the Melvindale community. In high school, he competed with the soccer team at Melvindale High School and was described by friends as a "star."

Mazen Saeed, a cousin of the officer, said his family is devastated.

"It's tough, him being my cousin, it feels like it's a movie now," Saeed said. "The city should step up and bring more cops and more patrol to make the city safe for all the community.

"He was a soccer star in high school, everything. Everybody knows him, loves him and everything, he's such a good guy. It's a devastation. It's a big blow to our family, for everybody that likes him in the community."

Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin mourned Said's death in a post to his personal Facebook profile Sunday.

"I am profoundly saddened by the senseless and tragic murder of Ofc Mohamed Said," Shahin said in the post. "He was a kind soul who proudly served the residents of Melvindale. I pray for his family, friends and our police community as we grieve the loss of a brother."

Khalil Refai, a city council member in Hamtramck and former Hamtramck police chaplain, posted on Facebook that he had known Said for more than 10 years. He said he was "deeply saddened" by his death, noting Said was respectful, smart and dedicated to his community.

Funeral service

Said's funeral service is set for Friday at 11:00 a.m. at the American Moslem Society in Dearborn.

The shooting took place near the 17000 block of Clarann Street in Melvindale, where officers were responding to a call from a carwash at 17344 Clarann.

According to information from police, around 11:40 a.m. on Sunday, Officer Said was shot while responding to a suspicious individual call near a gas station on Oakwood and Dix Road in Melvindale. Said approached Lopez, who ran.

After a foot pursuit, Said tased him and Lopez pulled out a gun and shot the officer, police said.

Anyone with information regarding this shooting can contact the Melvindale Police Department at 313-429-1070.

Reporters Jalen Williams and Jenna Prestininzi contributed reporting .

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Manhunt continues for suspect in Melvindale police officer's death; $37,500 reward offered