Suspect arrested in connection with shooting of Melvindale police officer in southwest Detroit

MELVINDALE, Michigan (WXYZ) – The search for the suspect in the shooting of fallen Melvindale police officer Mohamed Said has ended, 7 News Detroit learned Monday evening.

A Wayne County deputy administrator told reporters that the suspect, 44-year-old Michael Lopez, was taken alive in southwest Detroit near Michigan Avenue and Otis Street.

Brian Zaragoza

No further information about the arrest has been released.

Said was shot dead on Sunday near a car wash on Clarann ​​Street near Oakwood Boulevard.

Officials said Sunday that Said drove to the gas station to check on a group of people who were allegedly loitering there and the suspect took off running. The Melvindale police chief said there was a struggle and that’s when the officer was shot and “killed instantly.”

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After the shooting, several agencies assisted in the search for the suspect, who fled the scene.

“It’s a very difficult situation … something like this should never have happened,” said Police Chief Robert Kennaley. “This is an officer who put his heart and soul into his job.”

Officials held a press conference on Monday. Melvindale Mayor Nicole Shkira told the community that Said was a dedicated police officer and hero.

Watch the press conference below:

Melvindale officials speak about fallen officer Mohamed Said

“Today we mourn the passing of a hero to our community, a police officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty to keep us safe,” Shkira said. “We as a community will always honor the sacrifice he made to protect and serve our residents with unwavering courage and dedication to Melvindale.”

“To Officer Mo Said’s family, friends and colleagues of our fallen officer, I extend my deepest condolences and unwavering support. Your loss is our loss and we stand with you during this time of grief and suffering. Please know that our entire community, the City of Melvindale, is with you and here for you.”

Kennaley said the suspect has a criminal record. A $37,500 reward has been offered for information on Lopez’s whereabouts during his escape.

Anyone with information about this shooting can contact Melvindale Police at 313-429-1070.

Stay with 7 Detroit News and WXYZ-TV for the latest developments in this breaking news.