MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. (WRTV) — A La Porte County deputy is in critical condition after being shot Friday morning at Franciscan Health Michigan City hospital, police say.
La Porte County Sheriff’s Office identified the deputy as Jon Samuelson. He was airlifted to South Bend Memorial Hospital and was last listed in critical condition.
According to state police, who is handling the investigation, around 6:45 a.m., Samuelson stopped what he thought was a disabled vehicle on State Road 2 and County Road 900 West, which is about a mile east of Westville.
The deputy took 22-year-old Sharod Grafton Jr., of Chicago, the vehicle’s sole occupant, to the hospital at his request.
At the hospital, the deputy learned Grafton may have been involved in an earlier incident, according to police.
The officer returned inside the hospital, where an altercation happened in the emergency room between the Grafton and the deputy.
Police say Grafton shot the deputy during the altercation and then ran into the woods by the hospital.
Officers quickly located him in the woods and took him into custody. During the search, officers found a handgun believed to have been in the suspect’s possession and used to shoot Samuelson.
“This is a senseless shooting that didn’t have to take place,” Fifield said. “This officer thought he was helping a stranded motorist. He thought he was helping someone, and it turns into this.”
Grafton Jr. is at Porter County jail, where he will be held until charges are filed, state police said.
“Our focus right now is Deputy Samuelson and his family,” Indiana State Police Sgt. Glen Fifield said during a press conference.
First responders across Indiana were sharing best wishes and prayers on social media for Samuelson.
STATEMENT FROM LA PORTE COUNTY SHERIFF RONALD C. HEEG:
“La Porte County friends and neighbors, we are asking for our community to rise up, rally together, and lift Deputy Jon Samuelson and his family in prayer and support during this incredibly challenging time.
Now more than ever, we need our residents across the county to stand together in strength, faith, and support for one of our own. Deputy Samuelson has dedicated his life to serving and protecting this county, and we ask everyone now to stand beside him and his loved ones with prayer and solidarity.
Please keep Jon, his family, and the entire LCSO law enforcement community in your thoughts and prayers.”
