A man who hid from police during a massive manhunt and was ultimately tracked down and arrested has been charged in the shooting death of a Melvindale police officer, as well as a separate armed robbery case.
The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office charged Michael Lopez, 44, of Southfield, on Thursday in the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Melvindale police Officer Mohamed Said.
In that incident, Lopez is charged with the following:
• Murder of a police officer (life in prison)
• Felon in possession of a firearm (5 years)
• Felon in possession of ammunition (5 years)
• Carrying a concealed weapon (5 years)
• Possession of a controlled substance — methamphetamine/ecstasy (10 years)
• Possession of a controlled substance under 25 grams (4 years)
• Carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent (5 years)
• Five counts of felony firearm (2 years consecutively)
Lopez was arraigned and remanded to jail by 24th District Judge Richard Page. His probable cause hearing is set for Aug. 12.
Since the 24th District Court routinely handles cases out of Melvindale, another district court will be assigned to the case before the next court date to avoid any conflict of interest.
The prosecutor’s office also brought charges against Lopez in another case Thursday morning.
He is facing charges for an armed robbery at AutoZone, 1555 Fort St., Lincoln Park.
At about 8:47 p.m. July 20, it is alleged that Lopez entered the store as a customer, produced a handgun, and pointed it at a male employee. Lopez then robbed the store of money and knives, before fleeing the scene, police said.
In that case, he has been charged with armed robbery, felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, and two counts of felony firearm.
He was arraigned and remanded to jail in 25th District Court before Judge Gregory Clifton. the probable cause conference in that case is scheduled for 9 a.m. Aug. 6.
The charges in connection with the Melvindale police officer stem from a fatal encounter at about 1:34 p.m. July 21 at a car wash.
The car wash is near the intersection of Oakwood Boulevard and Clarann Street in Melvindale.
Said conducted a traffic stop on Lopez after seeing him with some bags. During the traffic stop, it is alleged that Lopez fled on foot. During the foot chase, Lopez allegedly produced and fired a handgun, fatally wounding Said.
An intense investigation by the Michigan State Police Emergency Support Team led to the arrest of Lopez on July 22.
“Policing is one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet,” Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said. “The alleged facts in this case will show that this defendant callously gunned down and killed … 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 what happened here.”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered U.S. and Michigan flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff on July 26 to honor the life and service of Said.
“Officer Mohamed Said was a pillar of his community who embodied what it means to be a public servant,” Whitmer said. “Both in and out of uniform, he was always willing to help anyone and worked hard to keep the people he loved most safe. 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.”
The state of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of Said by lowering flags to half-staff.
Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff. To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.
The flag lowering will coincide with the day of the officer’s funeral.
Said graduated from both Melvindale High School and Wayne County Regional Police Academy.
He joined the Melvindale Police Department in 2023 and dreamed of one day joining the K-9 unit or detective bureau.
“He was a beloved member of his community,” state officials said. “He was a strong defender of justice everywhere and worked to make a real difference in people’s lives.”
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