WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – As the trial continued on Friday in the murder of a Melvindale police officer, the defendant was escorted from the courtroom after making another outburst in court.
Michael Lopez, 44, of Southfield, is on trial for allegedly shooting and killing Melvindale Police Officer Mohamed Said on July 21, 2024.
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While an official was giving a testimony on April 24, Lopez made an outburst in court, criticizing his attorney.
“What else is new?” he said to his lawyer. “You ain’t gonna object to s----. You’re not gonna help me fight it, are you? ”
Lopez then made misconduct allegations against Said.
Local 4 is working to confirm the allegations with the Melvindale Police Department.
“This is a joke. This is all a joke,” Lopez said as he was being escorted.
Hours after the outburst, loud banging and inaudible shouting were heard in the courtroom for about 20 minutes, prompting the judge to have the jury leave momentarily. The judge addressed the disruption and said Lopez was the person shouting and was moved to another area during the trial.
On Thursday, Lopez made an outburst in court, telling the jury his attorney was no longer working for him.
Previous coverage --> ‘Give me a chance’: What man accused of killing Melvindale police officer said in courtroom outburst
Background
Lopez first encountered Said at 12:34 p.m. July 21, 2024, at a car wash near the intersection of Oakwood Boulevard and Clarann Street in Melvindale, officials said.
Said, 26, was called to the car wash and Lopez fled on foot, according to authorities.
While Said chased Lopez, Lopez pulled out a handgun and shot Said, police said.
Said died from his injuries.
Lopez is facing the following charges:
- Murder of a police officer -- a felony with a maximum penalty of life in prison.
- Felon in possession of a firearm -- a felony with a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
- Felon in possession of ammunition -- a felony with a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
- Carrying a concealed weapon -- a felony with a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
- Possession of methamphetamine/ecstasy -- a felony with a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
- Possession of under 25 grams of a controlled substance -- a felony with a maximum penalty of four years in prison.
- Carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent -- a felony with a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
- Five felony firearm violations -- each two-year felonies, to be served consecutively.
On May 1, 2025, a judge ruled Lopez was competent to stand trial. Jury selection was held on Monday and Tuesday, April 20-21, 2026.