A Southfield man accused of murdering a Melvindale police officer is competent for trial as determined by a psychological/psychiatric evaluation.

A jury trial is scheduled to start Dec. 1 in Wayne County for Michael Lopez, charged with first-degree premeditated homicide for the death of Officer Mohamed Said, 26. Said was fatally shot on July 21, 2024 at a car wash near the intersection of Oakwood Boulevard and Clarann Street in Melvindale.

According to police, Said conducted a traffic stop on Lopez that day and, during the traffic stop, it’s alleged that Lopez fled on foot. With Said in pursuit, Lopez allegedly fired a handgun at the police officer, killing him.

Lopez was arrested following what’s been described as an intense investigation by the Michigan State Police Emergency Support Team.

Along with the homicide charge, Lopez is also charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance and nine firearms-related crimes in connection with the incident.

He’s also facing charges for a July 20, 2024 armed robbery in Lincoln Park. It’s alleged he entered an AutoZone store on Fort Street, pointed a handgun at an employee, then robbed the store of money and knives before fleeing the scene. For that case, he’s charged with armed robbery and four firearms-related crimes.

Court records show his trial for that case is scheduled to start Dec. 15. Judge Bridget Mary Hathaway of Wayne County’s 3rd judicial circuit is to preside over both of Lopez’s trials.