Officer Mohamed Said murder: More details expected at suspect's court hearing today

MELVINDALE, Mich. (FOX 2) – More details about the fatal shooting of Melvindale police Officer Mohamed Said are expected Monday when the suspect appears for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday.

Michael Lopez, 44, was charged with murder of a police officer, possession of meth, possession of cocaine and several weapons offenses following the fatal shooting on July 21. He is accused of being a four-time repeat offender.

FOX 2 plans to broadcast the hearing live at 11 a.m. Watch it above.

Although the crime occurred in Melvindale, it is being tried in the 25th District Court in Lincoln Park. At Lopez's arraignment, it was decided to move the case.

Judge Richard Page became emotional during Lopez's arraignment. At the arraignment, the judge said the court observed a moment of silence for Said after the shooting. Page also said the 24th District Court changed its schedule to attend the fallen officer's funeral.

“For all these reasons, it is not appropriate for us to proceed with this case,” Page said.

What happened

Lopez is accused of killing Said while the officer was investigating a suspicious call on the morning of July 21.

Police said the officer was called to a car wash near Oakwood and Dix when he spotted Lopez with several bags but no car. Police said the officer went to see if Lopez was homeless and needed help, but Lopez ran away.

Said pursued Lopez, and a brief struggle ensued. When Said stunned Lopez with a Taser, he pulled out a gun and shot the officer before fleeing, police said.

Lopez was arrested the next day in Detroit after a tip led police to him. Prosecutors said Lopez had a knife and drugs on him when he was arrested in Detroit.

According to information from previous court hearings, Lopez had also robbed an auto parts store the day before Said's murder.

Lopez is currently in the Wayne County Jail.

Charges against Lopez

Lopez, a repeat offender with previous convictions for car theft and resisting police, faces 12 charges:

• Murder of a police officer
• Serious criminal in possession of a firearm
• Serious criminals in possession of ammunition
• Carrying a concealed weapon
• Possession of meth
• Possession of a controlled substance under 25 grams
• Carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent
• Five cases of illegal possession of weapons