Officer Mohamed Said murder suspect charged with numerous felonies

Suspect in Officer Mohamed Said's murder arraigned

Michael Lopez, the man accused of shooting and killing Melvindale police officer Mohamed Said, was arraigned on numerous felony charges Thursday, including murdering a police officer, possession of cocaine, and possession of meth.

MELVINDALE, Mich. (FOX 2) - The man accused of murdering Melvindale police officer Michael Said was arraigned on numerous felony charges Thursday morning.

Michael Lopez, 44, is charged with murder of a police officer, possession of meth, possession of cocaine, and multiple weapons charges. He is charged as a four-time habitual offender.

"Policing is one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said. "Tragic does not even begin to describe what happened here."

Lopez 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.

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.

Outpouring of love at fallen Melvindale officer's visitation

Law enforcement from around the area showed up to pay their respects to Officer Mohamed Said's visitation on Thursday. His body was moved to the Ford Community Center in Dearborn. It won't be the last time people can pay their respects.

During his arraignment, prosecutors also noted that Lopez has a criminal history that includes carjacking and resisting police. Lopez served time in prison before being placed on parole. He absconded from parole, prosecutors said, and he was released from parole last month.

Judge Richard Page remanded Lopez to jail before announcing that he was disqualifying himself from the case.

"We consider him (Said) part of the court family," Page said while fighting back tears. "With all that, it’s not appropriate that we continue to handle this case."

The case will be moved to another court. A decision on which court will take the case is expected early next week.