Police pack funeral service for fallen Melvindale officer Mohamed Said
DEARBORN, Mich (FOX 2) - Law enforcement officers from Michigan and beyond packed a funeral service for Mohamed Said, a Melvindale police officer who was killed in the line of duty Sunday.
A public service was held Friday morning at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center. That ceremony included a 21-gun salute and a final sign-off for the 26-year-old officer.
After the service, a processional brought Said past his parents' home as a symbolic end-of-watch. Said made a point to drive past their home before every shift.
The processional was bringing Said to a mosque in Dearborn, where a private ceremony will be held before he is laid to rest.
On Thursday, the community filled a visitation for Said.
"I'm gonna miss him tremendously. He was like a son to me," Melvindale Police Chief Robert Kennaley said. "I met him in high school, and he said, ‘I want to be a police officer, so he’s going to be truly missed."
'Part of the court family': Judge breaks down during hearing for suspect accused of killing police officer
Judge Richard Page fought back tears as he faced Michael Lopez, the man accused of killing Melvindale police officer Mohamed Said, on Thursday.
What happened
Michael Lopez, 44, is accused of killing Said while the officer investigated a suspicious person call Sunday morning.
Police said the officer was called to a car wash near Oakwood and Dix when he spotted Lopez with several bags but no vehicle. Police said the officer went to check to see if Lopez was homeless and needed help, but Lopez ran away.
Michael Lopez during his arraignment on July 25, 2024
Said chased Lopez, and there was a brief struggle. When Said Tased Lopez, he pulled out a gun and shot the officer before fleeing, police said.
Lopez was arrested Monday evening in Detroit after a tip led police to him. Prosecutors said Lopez had a knife in his possession, along with drugs, when he was caught in Detroit.
He was arraigned Thursday on 12 charges, including murder, possession of drugs, and numerous weapons charges.