Suspect in death of Melvindale police officer Mohamed Said faces murder charge
Jenna PrestininziA 44-year-old Southfield man is facing charges of murder and a slew of other felonies in the death of 23-year-old Melvindale police officer Mohamed Said following an arraignment.
Michael Lopez was arraigned Thursday via Zoom in 24th District Court in Melvindale and remanded to jail on charges that include murder of a police officer, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a controlled substance methamphetamine/ecstasy, possession of a controlled substance under 25 grams, carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent and five counts of felony firearm.
Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Rana Hadied appeared in court on two cases involving Lopez Thursday, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.
The probable cause hearing is set for Aug. 12. The case will be moved to a different district court ahead of this hearing to avoid conflict of interest, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said.
He is accused of fatally shooting Said in an incident at Oakwood and Dix Road on Sunday.
More:Suspect in fatal Melvindale police shooting injured Detroit officer in 2011, records show
More:Funeral services, visitation set for slain Melvindale police officer Mohamed Said
"Policing is one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said Thursday. "The alleged facts in this case will show that this defendant callously gunned down and killed 23-year-old Officer Mohamed Said, who was just doing his job and had just begun his career in law enforcement. Tragic does not even begin to describe that happened here."
Visitation for Said, a beloved community figure and former high school soccer star, is being held noon to 8 p.m. at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center 15801 Michigan Ave. The funeral will be held 11 a.m. Friday at the American Moslem Society, 9945 Vernor Hwy., Dearborn.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday ordered flags lowered to half-staff Friday to honor Officer Said.