MSP: Tip from community member led to arrest of suspect in shooting of Melvindale officer Mohamed Said

MELVINDALE (WWJ) — The man accused of fatally shooting Melvindale police officer Mohamed Said over the weekend is awaiting arraignment as authorities continue to investigate.

Michael Lopez was arrested Monday evening , a day after he allegedly shot and killed the 23-year-old officer.

Michigan State Police officials on Tuesday announced a community member came forward to provide police with information that led to Lopez’s location and arrest. Multiple agencies partnered together to offer a $37,500 reward for tips that led to an arrest.

“Their information will be reviewed by the offering parties for the awarding of the $37,500.00 tip,” MSP officials said Tuesday.

Lopez has been interviewed and processed and remains held at the Detroit Detention Center. The case will be forwarded to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office once the investigation is completed.

No arraignment date has been set. MSP officials said no further updates will be given until the 44-year-old is arraigned.

Said was shot late Sunday morning in the area of Oakwood Boulevard and Dix Road in Melvindale. He had reportedly seen people with bags near a carwash and went to investigate.

A suspect, who police believe to be Lopez, ran away and Said gave chase, leading to a struggle. During that struggle, Said tried to use a taser to arrest Lopez, but he allegedly shot him and fled the scene on a bike.

He was tracked down at a home in the area of Michigan and Livernois on Detroit's southwest side around 6:30 p.m. Monday.

The Detroit News reported Tuesday that Lopez was released on parole in June after spending “most of the last 12 years” in the Michigan Department of Corrections on various charges related to a 2011 carjacking in Detroit.

Melvindale Police Chief Robert Kennaley on Monday told reporters his department has been "inundated" with messages of love and support after the death of Said, who he said was "not just an officer."

“Not just an officer. This is a resident of the city of Melvindale. He was born and raised here, he went to the school system here. Every night before his shift, he drove by his parents’ house knowing that he’s doing it to protect his family and the residents here," Kennaley said.