Oakland County man accused of murdering Melvindale police officer appears in court

MELVINDALE, Mich. – An Oakland County man accused of killing a Melvindale police officer is scheduled to appear in court Monday for a preliminary hearing.

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Michael Lopez, 44, of Southfield, was stopped at a car wash near the intersection of Oakwood Boulevard and Clarann ​​Street in Melvindale at 12:34 p.m. on July 21, 2024, officials said.

According to authorities, 26-year-old Melvindale police officer Mohamed Said stopped Lopez, who then fled on foot.

While Said was chasing Lopez, Lopez pulled out a gun and shot Said, police said.

Said succumbed to his injuries.

Lopez is accused of:

• Murder of a police officer – a crime punishable by a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

• Felon in possession of a firearm – a crime punishable by a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

• Felon in possession of ammunition – a crime punishable by a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

• Carrying a concealed weapon is a crime punishable by a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

• Possession of methamphetamine/ecstasy – a crime punishable by a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

• Possession of less than 25 grams of a controlled substance – a crime punishable by a maximum sentence of four years in prison.

• Carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent – ​​a crime punishable by a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

• Five serious violations of the firearms law – each a felony carrying a sentence of two years to be served consecutively.

“Police work is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world,” said Wayne County District Attorney Kym Worthy. “The facts alleged in this case will show that this defendant cold-bloodedly shot and killed 23-year-old police officer Mohamed Said, who was just doing his job and had just begun his career in law enforcement. The word tragedy does not even begin to describe what happened here.”

Charged with armed robbery

Lopez is also charged with robbery at an auto zone.

The robbery occurred on July 20, 2024 at 8:47 p.m. in the 1500 block of Fort Street in Lincoln Park, officials said.

Lopez is accused of entering the store and pulling out a gun, pointing it at an employee and then stealing money and knives, police said.

He is accused of armed robbery, illegal possession of a weapon, concealed carrying of a weapon and two serious violations of the weapons law.

Lopez was arraigned in 25th District Court on Thursday morning and remanded in custody.