A La Porte County sheriff’s deputy was critically injured after being shot three times in a hospital emergency room while helping a stranded motorist, authorities said. Deputy Jon Samuelson, 33, a 12-year veteran of the force, was airlifted to South Bend Memorial Hospital and remains in critical condition.
The Shooting Incident
The shooting occurred Friday morning after Samuelson stopped to assist a stranded driver, Sharod Grafton Jr., on State Road 2 near Michigan City. At Grafton’s request, Samuelson transported him to Franciscan Hospital. While at the hospital, the deputy learned that Grafton might be connected to an earlier criminal incident, though authorities did not disclose the specifics.
An altercation then occurred inside the emergency room. According to Indiana State Police Sgt. Glen Fifield, Grafton produced a firearm and shot Samuelson. Grafton fled into nearby woods but was arrested minutes later. Police recovered a handgun believed to have been used in the shooting.
“This is a senseless shooting that didn’t have to take place,” Fifield said. “Our officers and deputies risk their lives every day. This officer thought he was helping a stranded motorist and it turned into this.”
Deputy Samuelson’s Background
Samuelson comes from a family with a long history in law enforcement. His grandfather served as the chief of police for La Porte, and his father is a retired Michigan City police officer. Samuelson is married and has no children.
Investigation and Hospital Response
The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office described the shooting as an “isolated incident” with no immediate threat to the public. The Indiana State Police are leading the investigation, and charges against Grafton are pending. He is being held at Porter County Jail.
Franciscan Health confirmed that patient safety and health remain the top priority. While the emergency department is on ambulance bypass, walk-in patients are still being accepted through the main entrance. On-site physician offices remain closed, but other hospital services and departments are operating normally.
Community Support
La Porte County Sheriff Ronald Heeg urged the community to support Deputy Samuelson and his family during this difficult time. “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,” he said.
