Michael Lopez Sentenced in Homicide of Melvindale Cpl. Mohamed Said

Published on June 05, 2026

Today, Defendant Michael Lopez, 44, of Southfield, was sentenced to life in the Michigan Department of Corrections without parole for the homicide of Melvindale Police Corporal Mohamed Said, 23.

On July 21, 2024, at approximately 12:34 p.m., at a car wash located near the intersection of Oakwood Boulevard and Clarann Street in Melvindale, Cpl. Said conducted a traffic stop on the defendant. During the traffic stop, it is alleged that Defendant Lopez fled from the scene on foot. During the foot chase, it is further alleged that Defendant Lopez produced and fired a handgun, fatally wounding Cpl. Said. Investigation by the Michigan State Police Emergency Support Team led to the arrest of the defendant on July 22, 2024.

Michael Lopez was charged with Murder of a Police Officer (Life in Prison), Felon in Possession of a Firearm (5 years),Felon in Possession of Ammunition (5 years), Carrying a Concealed Weapon (5 years), Possession of a Controlled Substance-Methamphetamine/Ecstasy (10 years), Possession of a Controlled Substance under 25 grams (4 years), Carrying a Dangerous Weapon with Unlawful Intent (5 years), and five counts of Felony Firearm (2 years consecutively).

Defendant Lopez was arraigned and remanded to jail on July 25, 2024, by Judge Richard A. Page in 24th District Court.

On April 28, 2026, Defendant Lopez was found guilty as charged of Murder of a Peace 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.

Today, Defendant Lopez was sentenced before Judge Bridget Hathaway to life without parole, and 2 years consecutive for Felony Firearm in the Michigan Department of Corrections.  He was sentenced to 5 years to 15 years in prison for the remaining counts. The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutors Rana Hadied and Max Baisel.

"We are heartened by the fact that this defendant will no longer be a danger to the community. Among other things, his behavior in a controlled courtroom with court security speaks volumes about how dangerous he is," said Prosecutor Kym Worthy.

Please request a photograph of the defendant from the Wayne County Sheriff's Office.

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