Fatal shooting of Melvindale police officer: Manhunt for Michael Lopez; $30K reward offered
Michael Lopez
MELVINDALE, Mich. (FOX 2) - Melvindale police have released suspect information in the shooting death of an officer on Sunday.
A manhunt is underway for Michael Lopez who is considered to be armed and dangerous. Lopez is a 44-year-old Hispanic male. The ATF and Melvindale police have posted a $20,000 reward for information on the whereabouts of Lopez.
"Police are actively searching for this suspect. If you see this suspect or anyone closely resembling the suspect, please do not approach or confront," Melvindale police said in a statement. "Immediately call 911 and inform the police. If you have any information about this suspect, please reach out to the Melvindale Police."
The police officer was fatally shot at 11:39 a.m. in the area of Oakwood and Dix earlier today, said Melvindale Chief Robert Kennaley who is not releasing the identity of the victim out of respect for the family. The victim was a native of Melvindale and had been a member of the department for little more than a year.
"He was a very dedicated and wonderful person," the chief said. "His heart and soul was into this job and the residents of Melvindale. This is his home, he went through the school system here."
Kennaley said that the officer first noticed that Lopez and a female friend were outside a car wash holding bags.
"He wanted to investigate it to get a feel if they needed help or were homeless. When he pulled up that is when Lopez took off running," Kennaley said. "He went after him."
After running after the suspect into a neighborhood, the Melvindale police officer pulled out a Tazer during a struggle.
"The officer had taken out his Tazer during the fight, but Lopez ended up murdering our officer today," the chief said.
An identifying tattoo on Lopez's right hand. / Photo: Melvindale police
Lopez has a criminal history including carjacking and assaulting/obstructing a police officer.
The woman with Lopez is being detained for questioning. The two had been staying at a Melvindale hotel last night.
Photos of Lopez were released by Melvindale police as well as a picture of an identifying tattoo that he has on his right hand.
Assisting the investigation is Dearborn, Lincoln Park, Southgate and Michigan State Police.
Melvindale police can be reached at (313) 429-1070. Call the ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS.
Suspect photo / courtesy Melvindale police