A LaPorte County deputy was shot after assisting an individual he believed to be a stranded motorist. The incident occurred on Friday morning at Franciscan Health hospital in Michigan City, Indiana.
Incident Details
The deputy involved, 33-year-old Jon Samuelson, is a K9 handler with the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office. He was shot three times and is currently in critical condition at Memorial Hospital in South Bend.
Timeline of Events
- Time of Incident: The shooting happened around 6:45 a.m. CT.
- Location: The incident took place at Franciscan Health, Michigan City.
- Suspect: 22-year-old Sharod Grafton Jr. from Chicago.
Deputy Samuelson had initially pulled over at the intersection of State Road 2 and County Road 900 West near Westville. He stopped to assist Grafton, who requested a ride to the hospital.
Confrontation at the Hospital
Upon reaching the hospital, Samuelson learned that Grafton may have been involved in prior criminal activities in Illinois. This discovery led to an altercation within the emergency department, during which Grafton shot the deputy.
Aftermath and Suspect Arrest
Following the shooting, Grafton fled the hospital. He was quickly apprehended by responding officers in a wooded area west of the facility. A handgun, believed to belong to Grafton and used in the shooting, was also recovered.
Investigation and Charges
The Indiana State Police (ISP) are leading the investigation. Grafton was initially taken to the LaPorte County Jail but was later transferred to the Porter County Jail, where he awaits charges from the LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office. No other injuries to hospital staff or visitors were reported. Authorities have confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
Community Support
LaPorte County Sheriff Ronald C. Heeg has called for community support for Deputy Samuelson and his family during this difficult time. He emphasized the importance of unity and support within the community.
Hospital Operations
As a result of the incident, the emergency department is currently on ambulance bypass, but walk-in patients continue to be accepted at the main entrance. All other services at Franciscan Health remain operational.
In a statement, the hospital assured the community that the health and safety of patients and staff is their top priority and confirmed there is no active threat at this time.
