The Briefing
• A LaPorte County sheriff’s deputy was shot multiple times inside a Michigan City hospital after picking up a man he believed needed medical help.
• The May 23 incident began on a roadway when the deputy stopped to assist what appeared to be a stranded motorist.
• At the hospital, the deputy learned the man might be connected to a crime and an altercation ensued, leading to gunfire.
• The deputy was airlifted for surgery and remains in critical but stable condition, authorities said.
• The suspect has been charged with attempted murder and other offenses, and Indiana State Police are investigating.
MICHIGAN CITY, IN — A LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office deputy was shot multiple times Friday inside the emergency department of Franciscan Health Michigan City after stopping earlier on a roadway to help a man he believed to be a stranded motorist, authorities said.
The incident began around 6:45 a.m. May 23 when Deputy Jon Samuelson, a 12-year veteran and K-9 handler, stopped to assist the man near Westville on a state highway and agreed to drive him to the hospital.
Upon arrival at the hospital, Samuelson learned the man might be involved in a crime and confronted him, prompting an altercation during which the suspect produced a firearm and shot the deputy, police said.
Samuelson was airlifted to a South Bend hospital and underwent about eight hours of surgery; officials described his condition as critical but stable.
The suspect, identified by other reports as Sharod Grafton Jr., 22, of Chicago, was apprehended nearby and faces charges including attempted murder, battery against a public safety official and auto theft, according to authorities.
The Indiana State Police are leading the investigation into the shooting, and prosecutors have not disclosed any further details about the alleged prior criminal activity linked to the suspect.