A defendant accused of killing a Melvindale police officer was removed from his own trial after a heated exchange with his attorney in a Wayne County courtroom, escalating tensions in a case tied to the fatal shooting of a 26-year-old officer.
DETROIT, MI – Michael Lopez, 45, now faces proceedings from a holding cell after a courtroom outburst on Friday prompted a judge to bar him from appearing in person. Lopez is charged with murder of a police officer, along with firearm and drug-related offenses, in connection with the death of Melvindale Police Cpl. Mohamed Said.
The disruption followed a warning issued a day earlier, when Lopez had also displayed combative behavior. Despite being told he would be removed if he interrupted proceedings again, Lopez reacted angrily when his attorney declined to object to a piece of video evidence.
Courtroom outburst leads to removal
“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?”
Moments later, Lopez was escorted out of the courtroom and relocated to a cell within the courthouse, where officials said he would continue to listen to the trial remotely.
The incident came a day after Lopez attempted to dismiss his attorney during Thursday’s proceedings, a request the judge denied.
“I’m telling you that this guy doesn’t care about my life no more,” Lopez said. “He ain’t my lawyer no more.”
Fatal encounter with Melvindale officer
The charges stem from a July 21, 2024 encounter in Melvindale, where Cpl. Said was on patrol around 11:30 a.m. when he approached two individuals standing near a car wash. One of them was identified as Lopez.
According to Melvindale Police Chief Robert Kennaley, Lopez fled as Said approached. The officer caught up with him in a nearby neighborhood, where a struggle broke out. During that confrontation, authorities allege Lopez shot and killed Said.
Officials said Lopez then fled the scene on a bicycle, triggering a large-scale search. He was later arrested at a home in southwest Detroit after a tip led officers to his location.
At the time of his arrest, Lopez appeared to acknowledge cameras, smiling and winking as he was taken into custody.
The trial continues with Lopez no longer physically present in the courtroom, following the judge’s decision to remove him after repeated disruptions.
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