Accused cop killer winks for the camera as he's led away in slain officer's handcuffs

Left: Accused cop killer Michael Lopez (Maricruz Zaragoza). Right: Officer Mohamed Said (Melvindale Police Department).

Cops in Michigan have arrested the man who they say shot and killed a beloved police officer.

Michael Lopez, 44, smiled and winked for the cameras recording him as cops led him away in Melvindale Police Officer Mohamad Said’s handcuffs on Monday night.

Melvindale Police Chief Robert Kennaley told reporters Said was patrolling the area around 11:30 a.m. Sunday when he saw a couple of suspicious people with bags standing near a car wash. Thinking they may need help, Said went to investigate. As Said approached, Lopez ran away and into a nearby neighborhood, Kennaley said. Said caught up to Lopez and the two began fighting. That’s when Lopez allegedly shot and killed Said.

Lopez fled the scene on a bicycle. Local, state and federal agencies began a massive search of the Detroit area with the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives offering a $37,500 reward leading to his arrest . A tip led cops to a home in southwest Detroit where Lopez was taken into custody.

Said, 23, grew up in Melvindale, a city of about 12,000 just outside of Detroit. Kennaley said he met Said when he was still in high school. Said inquired about becoming a police officer. When he was old enough, the agency put Said through the police academy. Said had been a full-time police officer for just over a year, according to Kennaley.

“Every night before he started his shift, he’d go by his parents house knowing that he’s doing it to protect his family and the residents here,” Kennaley said. “This community loves him. He will always be remembered by the city of Melvindale.”

More than 200 people gathered at a community vigil on Monday. He had the respect of his fellow officers.

“He was a damn good officer,” Melvindale Police Lt. Matthew Furman said, according to local ABC affiliate WXYZ .

Said’s family was pleased there was an arrest made.

“Me as a little brother, it’s a loss to us. I lost a guy that would do anything for me,” Mohamed’s brother Ahmed Said told the outlet. “Arresting him is good thing, but it’s not going to change anything.”

Charges against Lopez are pending. The Detroit Free Press reports Lopez was released from prison on June 22 after serving 12 years for carjacking and assaulting a police officer.

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