Downriver residents and the Melvindale Police Department are mourning the killing of Officer Mohamed Said on Sunday.

Although Said’s murder was recognized by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel in a post on X  late Monday morning, 24 hours after the tragic incident, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has yet to comment at the time of publication. (Editor’s note: She finally did at 2:07 p.m.)

A manhunt is being conducted for Michael Lopez, the 44-year-old man suspected of shooting Said. A $20,000 reward is also being offered by Melvindale Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms for information on Lopez’s whereabouts.

“Police are actively searching for this suspect. If you see this suspect or anyone closely resembling the suspect, please do not approach or confront,” Melvindale police said in a statement. “Immediately call 911 and inform the police. If you have any information about this suspect, please reach out to the Melvindale Police.”

The incident between Said and Lopez occurred at 11:39 a.m. on Sunday morning. Said was responding to a call claiming two suspicious individuals were standing outside a car wash holding bags in the vicinity Oakwood and Dix.

When Said, a member of the Melvindale Police Department for only one year, arrived on the scene, Lopez took off running. Said caught up to him in a nearby neighborhood and a scuffle ensued. When Said drew his Taser, it’s alleged Lopez produced a weapon and fatally shot the police officer.

“He was a very dedicated and wonderful person,” Melvindale Chief Robert Kennaley was quoted on MLive. “His heart and soul was into this job and the residents of Melvindale. This is his home, he went through the school system here.”

Kennaley said that the officer first noticed that Lopez and a female friend were outside a car wash holding bags. Lopez’s female companion is in custody.

“He wanted to investigate it to get a feel if they needed help or were homeless. When he pulled up that is when Lopez took off running,” Kennaley said.

According to MLive, “Lopez has a criminal history including carjacking and assaulting/obstructing a police officer.”

Said’s death is the third murder of an on-duty officer in Michigan in the past few weeks. Hillsdale County Deputy William Butler Jr. was killed on June 27 during a routine traffic stop by Eric Fiddler. As reported by The Midwesterner, Whitmer skipped Butler’s funeral.

Go Ad-Free, Get Content, Go Premium Today - $1 Trial

MORE NEWS: House Republicans introduce bills to block ‘any payment’ to sanctuary cities, counties

Whitmer was also absent at the funeral of Oakland County Deputy Bradley Reckling, a nine-year veteran who died June 22 after being shot during a  stop involving a suspected stolen vehicle.