Indiana sheriff’s deputy shot in ER at Franciscan Hospital; suspect in custody

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – An Indiana sheriff’s deputy was shot and a suspect was taken into custody Friday morning at Fransciscan Hospital in northwest Indiana.

Michigan City hospital shooting

What we know:

La Porte County Sheriff’s Deputy Jon Samuelson was shot at Franciscan Health Michigan City after transporting a man to the hospital from a disabled vehicle call near State Road 2 and 900 West in La Porte County, according to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office and Indiana State Police.

Officials said Samuelson encountered the driver around 6:45 a.m. near Westville and brought the man to the hospital at the man’s request. While at the hospital, the deputy learned the man may have been connected to an earlier “criminal incident” in Illinois, according to state police.

Pictured is Deputy Jon Samuelson. 

Police said Samuelson went back inside the emergency room, where an altercation broke out between the deputy and the suspect. During the confrontation, the suspect pulled out a handgun and shot Samuelson three times.

Samuelson, who has been with the sheriff’s office for 12 years, was first taken from the hospital and later airlifted to Memorial Hospital in South Bend for emergency treatment. Authorities said he remains in critical condition.

No other staff or visitors were injured in the shooting. 

Police said the suspect, identified as 22-year-old Sharod Grafton Jr., of Chicago, was arrested in the woods near the hospital after the shooting. While searching for Grafton, officers found a handgun that been used by him, according to Indiana State Police.

Pictured is 22-year-old Sharod Grafton Jr., of Chicago.

The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office called the shooting an “isolated incident” and said there is no immediate threat to the public. Indiana State Police are leading the investigation into the shooting.

Charges are pending against Grafton, who is being held in the Porter County Jail.

Samuelson’s grandfather served as Chief of Police in La Porte and his father is a retired Michigan City police officer.

What they’re saying:

“It makes us feel angry,” Indiana State Police Sgt. Glen Fifield said. “This is a senseless shooting, and it didn’t have to take place. Our officers and deputies from La Porte County Sheriff’s Department and all over the state of Indiana and Illinois risked their lives every day. This officer thought he was helping the stranded motorist, and, and it turns into this.”

Franciscan Health released the following statement after the shooting:

“The health and safety of our patients and staff is always our top priority. There is no active threat to patients, staff or the community at this time. The emergency department remains on ambulance bypass, but walk-in patients are being accepted through the main entrance to the hospital. Franciscan Physician Network medical offices on site are closed at this time. All other services and departments remain open as normal.”

La Porte County Sheriff Ronald Heeg issued this statement on behalf of the sheriff’s department:

“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.”

Dig deeper:

Franciscan Health Michigan City is an acute care hospital with over 120 beds.