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Inset: Officer Mohamed Said (Melvindale Police Department). Background: Michael Lopez appears in Wayne County court (WJBK/YouTube).
During a courtroom session in Michigan, a man accused of murdering a police officer unleashed a tirade against his lawyer, resulting in him being barred from attending his trial in person.
Michael Lopez, aged 45, stands accused of the murder of 26-year-old Melvindale Police Corporal Mohamed Said. He is facing multiple charges including the murder of a police officer, possession of a firearm by a felon, carrying a concealed weapon, and various drug-related offenses, as reported by Detroit’s NBC affiliate, WDIV.
The incident occurred on July 21, 2024, around 11:30 a.m., when Officer Said was on patrol and noticed two individuals, one being Lopez, with bags near a car wash, according to Melvindale Police Chief Robert Kennaley. As Officer Said approached to investigate, Lopez reportedly took off running.
Officer Said managed to catch up with Lopez in a nearby neighborhood, leading to a physical altercation between the two, as per the police chief. It was during this encounter that Lopez is alleged to have shot the officer, resulting in his death.
Authorities reported that Lopez fled the scene on a bicycle. A large-scale search operation was launched, and a tip eventually led law enforcement to a residence in southwest Detroit, where Lopez was apprehended.
As Law&Crime previously reported, Lopez smiled and winked for the cameras recording him as officers took him into custody.
On Friday, as he appeared in court, Lopez was warned that he would be removed from the courtroom if he had an outburst like he did the day before, the local outlet reported. He apparently did not heed the warning.
When his attorney did not raise an objection to a video being admitted into evidence, Lopez responded indignantly.
“What else is new, man? What else is new? You ain’t gonna object?” Lopez said. “You’re not gonna help me fight, are you?”
The defendant was escorted out of the room and moved to a cell in the court building where he will listen to his trial, authorities said.
On Thursday, Lopez reportedly said he was firing his attorney, though the judge denied the request.
“I’m telling you that this guy doesn’t care about my life no more,” the defendant said. “He ain’t my lawyer no more.”