MELVINDALE, Mich. – An Oakland County man has been charged with killing an on-duty Melvindale police officer.
Michael Lopez, 44, of Southfield, was pulled over at 12:34 p.m. Sunday, July 21, 2024, at a car wash near the intersection of Oakwood Boulevard and Clarann Street in Melvindale, officials said.
Melvindale police Officer Mohamed Said, 26, stopped Lopez, who then fled on foot, according to authorities.
While Said chased Lopez, Lopez pulled out a handgun and shot Said, police said.
Said died from his injuries.
Lopez was arrested Monday.
He’s charged with:
- Murder of a police officer -- a felony with a maximum penalty of life in prison.
- Felon in possession of a firearm -- a felony with a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
- Felon in possession of ammunition -- a felony with a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
- Carrying a concealed weapon -- a felony with a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
- Possession of methamphetamine/ecstasy -- a felony with a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
- Possession of under 25 grams of a controlled substance -- a felony with a maximum penalty of four years in prison.
- Carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent -- a felony with a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
- Five felony firearm violations -- each two-year felonies, to be served consecutively.
“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 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.”
Arraignment is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Thursday at 24th District Court, via Zoom.
Armed robbery charges
Lopez is also facing charges linked to the robbery of an Auto Zone.
The robbery happened at 8:47 p.m. July 20, 2024, in the 1500 block of Fort Street in Lincoln Park, officials said.
Lopez is accused of walking into the store and pulling out a handgun. He pointed it at a worker before stealing money and knives, according to police.
He is charged with armed robbery, felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, and two felony firearm violations.
Lopez was arraigned Thursday morning at 25th District Court and remanded to jail.
A probable cause conference is scheduled for 9 a.m. Aug. 6, 2024.
