Suspect wanted in fatal shooting of Melvindale police officer taken into custody
(CBS DETROIT) - A man who was wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of a Melvindale police officer has been taken into custody, according to police.
Melvindale police confirmed that 44-year-old Michael Lopez was arrested on Monday in Southwest Detroit, one day after Officer Mohamed Said, 23, was killed.
The shooting happened at around 11:39 a.m. Sunday in the 17000 block of Clarann Street in Melvindale.
Police say Said was responding to a call of suspicious activity near a carwash at Oakwood and Dix. Said approached Lopez, who ran from the officer when he tried to make contact with him, according to police. Officials say Said tased Lopez during a pursuit and Lopez pulled out a gun and shot the officer.
A manhunt began shortly after the shooting, with the ATF, Michigan State Police, Melvindale police, the National Police Defense Foundation, and U.S. Marshals partnering to offer a $37,500 reward for information.
Authorities said Lopez has a criminal record that includes resisting arrest and carjacking.
Said was a member of the Melvindale Police Department for one year.
"It's sad to see someone you grew up with or went to school with go like that," Said's friend Mohamed Alomari said. "It's tough on us, especially for a young man that didn't get to see the things he wanted to do in his life, get married and have kids."
In a statement posted on X Monday, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said, "The Melvindale community has lost a treasured member of the community with the death of Officer Mohamed Said. My heart is with his family, friends, and loved ones today. I hope we can always honor his bravery, dedication, and sacrifice."
Visitation is scheduled from noon to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Ford Center for Performing Arts. A funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. on July 26 at the Dearborn Mosque American Moslem Society in Dearborn.
