MELVINDALE, Mich. – The federal manhunt for Michael Lopez, the man accused in the deadly shooting of Melvindale police officer Mohamed Said, is caught and in custody.
Several police agencies, including the Michigan State Police, descended on a home near Livernois Avenue and Otis Street to take Michael Lopez into custody.
The arrest comes as family, friends, and community members came together on Monday (July 22) to honor the life of Melvindale officer Mohamed Said.
Community members gathered outside the Melvindale Police Department, where officer Said worked for just over a year.
People came from all over to remember Said and support his family.
“It broke everybody’s heart, broke my heart as he was my older brother, and he was my everything,” said Mohamed’s younger brother Amhed Said.
Amhed and the Said family did not grieve alone. The entire Melvindale community remembered Mohamed, who dedicated his life to serving others.
“He was a heck of an officer,” said a fellow officer. “He never called in sick; he never took a day off. Sometimes, we couldn’t get rid of him as we would tell him, ‘Mo, it’s your day off; go home and relax,’ and he’d say he wanted to be here with the guys.”
Mohamed was chasing Lopez on Sunday (July 21) when he was shot and killed.
“Yesterday, when I went into that backyard and found Mo, it was the worst day of my police career,” said the fellow officer. “Today is the second worst day because it sunk in.”
Monday’s vigil came just hours after the manhunt for his alleged killer came to an end.
To everyone’s relief, Lopez was arrested in southwest Detroit.
“Two of my off-duty officers made the drive down to the scene with officer Said’s handcuffs to finish the job that he had started,” said Melvindale Mayor Nicole Shkira.
“I want everyone to raise a candle up for Mo,” said a man during the vigil. “This is for you, Mo. We got it from here. Rest easy, Mo.”
Mohamed’s visitation will occur on Thursday, July 25, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ford Center for Performing Arts, located at 15801 Michigan Avenue in Dearborn.
Funeral services will occur Friday, July 26 at 11 a.m. at the Dearborn Mosque American Moslem Society located in the 9945 block of Vernor Highway.