MELVINDALE, Mich. (WXYZ) — The 44-year-old man accused of killing a Melvindale Police officer has been arraigned on a string of felonies including murder.
Michael Lopez is charged with Homicide- Murder of a Peace Officer , Weapons Possession by a Prohibited Person , Carrying a Concealed Weapon , Possession of Methamphetamine , Possession of Cocaine , Weapons carrying with Unlawful Intent , Felony Firearms (five counts) and Habitual Offender (Fourth Offense), in the murder of Mohamed Said.
On Sunday, Said was killed near a car wash while responding to a call about people hanging around the business.
Lopez was taken into custodyin Southwest Detroita day later following a manhunt.
Lopez served about 12 years in prison for a carjacking in 2011 and injuring a police officer. He was released from prison in June 2022 and completed his parole just last month.
During Thursday's arraignment, Judge Richard Page was moved to tears along with several court employees in the gallery.
Judge Page said the court will disqualify itself from the case because they consider Said "part of the court family."
The case will now move to another court.
Watch video of the judge speaking during the hearing below
Watch videos of the arrest shared from nearby residents below:
Hundreds gathered to remember the life of Said earlier this week.
WATCH: 200+ gather to remember the life of fallen Melvindale police officer Mohamed said.
“Mohamed was a funny, intellectual, kind, sweet person. He was a go-getter,” Badr Algamal, Mohamed's friend and a fellow police officer, told us. “He loved his community. His line was always small city with a big heart."
"He loved his job," family member Habsh Ahmed told us. "He loved it. It was not a job — it was not a career. It was a way of life for him."
WATCH: Family and friends speak about fallen police officer Mohamed Said.
If you'd like to donate to Said's family, visit a verified GoFundMe page that has been set up for them.
