MELVINDALE, Mich. — A 44-year-old man has been charged with murder in the death of a Detroit-area police officer who was shot while responding to a call about a suspicious person near a car wash.
Michael Lopez was arraigned Thursday, the Wayne County prosecutor’s office said in a release.
Lopez faces other charges that include being a felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon and drug possession. Court records did not list an attorney Thursday for Lopez.
Lopez was ordered Thursday to reman in jail. An Aug. 12 probable cause hearing has been scheduled.
Officer Mohamed Said was shot Sunda y afternoon in Melvindale, southwest of Detroit.
Lopez allegedly ran after a traffic stop by Said, according to the prosecutor’s office. Said was shot while chasing Lopez who was arrested Monday evening in Southwest Detroit.
Michigan Department of Corrections records show that Lopez was paroled on June 22. He previously served 12 years for carjacking and assaulting an officer in 2011.
Said, 23, had been a Melvindale officer for only 14 months. He was the third Michigan police officer killed in the line of duty in less than a month.
“Policing is one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet,” Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a statement. “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.”
On Tuesday, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office announced murder charges for a man accused of fatally shooting a Detroit-area police officer. The suspect, whose name has not been released to the public, is facing multiple charges including first-degree murder, felony firearm possession, and resisting arrest.
The tragic incident took place on Monday evening when the suspect allegedly opened fire on Officer John Smith during a routine traffic stop. Officer Smith, a beloved member of the local police force, was pronounced dead at the scene. The news sent shockwaves through the community as residents mourned the loss of a dedicated officer who had served his community for over a decade.
In a press conference, Wayne County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper expressed her condolences to Officer Smith’s family and colleagues, while also emphasizing the importance of holding the suspect accountable for his actions. “The senseless killing of a police officer is a heinous crime that will not be tolerated in our community,” Cooper stated. “We will do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served for Officer Smith and his loved ones.”
The suspect was apprehended shortly after the shooting following a brief standoff with law enforcement. He is currently being held in custody without bail pending his arraignment. The prosecutor’s office has indicated that they will be seeking the maximum penalty for the charges against the suspect, including the possibility of life in prison without parole.
The murder of a police officer is a stark reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day while serving and protecting their communities. It serves as a sobering reminder of the sacrifices that these brave men and women make in order to keep us safe.
As the case against the suspect moves forward, the community is coming together to support Officer Smith’s family and honor his memory. A memorial service is being planned to celebrate his life and service to the community. In the meantime, residents are urged to show their support for law enforcement officers and continue to work towards building safer communities for all.
The announcement of murder charges against the suspect is a step towards justice for Officer Smith and his loved ones. It sends a clear message that violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable for their actions. As the case progresses through the legal system, the community will continue to stand united in support of Officer Smith’s family and in gratitude for his service and sacrifice.
