Overview
- The murder trial of Michael Lopez, which opened with jury selection Monday, centers on the July 2024 shooting of Cpl. Mohamed Said in Melvindale.
- Police say Said approached Lopez at a car wash, chased him when he ran, used a Taser during a struggle, and was then shot when Lopez drew a gun.
- Investigators say Lopez later told them he shot on purpose because he did not want to go back to jail.
- Lopez faces counts that include murdering a peace officer along with cocaine and gun charges after a judge earlier this year refused to cut the case to manslaughter.
- Officers arrested Lopez in southwest Detroit the next day after a tip, and prosecutors say he had a knife and drugs; a separate July trial is set over an alleged auto parts store robbery and an alleged jail-made weapon.