Man arraigned on murder, 11 other felony charges in shooting of Melvindale Police Officer Mohamed Said

MELVINDALE (WWJ) -- A dozen felony charges have been filed against a man accused in the murder of a Melvindale Police officer last weekend.

The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office on Thursday announced it has authorized a 12-count warrant against Michael Lopez of Southfield, who allegedly shot and killed 23-year-old Officer Mohamed Said last weekend.

Lopez, 44, is charged with the following:

- Homicide - Murder of a Peace Officer
- Weapons - Possession by a Prohibited Person
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon
- Possession of Methamphetamine
- Possession of Cocaine
- Weapons - carrying with Unlawful Intent
- Felony Firearm (five counts)
- Habitual Offender Fourth Offense

Lopez was arraigned late Thursday afternoon in 24th District Court in Melvindale. He was remanded to jail and his next court date has been scheduled for Aug. 12. Another district court will be assigned to the case in advance of the next court date to avoid any conflict of interest with the case.

If convicted of homicide, the penalty is life without the possibility of parole.

“Policing is one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet. The alleged facts in this case will show that this defendant callously gunned down and killed 23-year-old ​Officer Mohamed Said, who was just doing his job and had just begun his career in law enforcement," said Prosecutor Kym Worthy, adding: "Tragic does not even begin to describe that happened here."

Said was shot late Sunday morning in the area of Oakwood Blvd. and Dix Rd., where he reportedly saw people with bags near a car wash and went to investigate.

Police said Lopez ran away, Said gave chase, and there was a struggle as Said tried to make an arrest. During that struggle, police said Said tried to use his taser. That's when Lopez allegedly shot the officer, fatally wounding him.

Lopez fled the scene on a bike, but was tracked down at a home in the area of Michigan and Livernois in Southwest Detroit Monday evening, thanks to a tip, police said.

“Policing is one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet. The alleged facts in this case will show that this defendant callously gunned down and killed 23-year-old ​Officer Mohamed Said, who was just doing his job and had just begun his career in law enforcement. Tragic does not even begin to describe that happened here," Prosecutor Kym Worthy said.

Separately, in Lincoln Park, Lopez is charged with robbing an Auto Zone store at gunpoint the night before he allegedly killed Said .

Said's visitation got underway Thursday at noon at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn. It will last until 6 p.m.

Said will be laid to rest Friday in a public funeral at the Performing Arts Center, before a ceremony to be held at the American Moslem Society.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff to honor Said on Friday.

In a statement, Whitmer said Officer Said was a "pillar of his community who embodied what it means to be a public servant."

"Both in and out of uniform, he was always willing to help anyone and worked hard to keep the people he loved most safe," the governor added. "My heart is with his family, friends, fellow officers, and loved ones today. Together, let’s remember his record of service and carry on his legacy of kindness in Melvindale and across Michigan.”

Officer Said graduated from Melvindale High School and then the Wayne County Regional Police Academy. He joined the Melvindale Police Department in 2023, and hoped to join the K9 Unit or detective bureau in the future.