Deputy Jon – An Indiana sheriff’s deputy, 12-year veteran Jon Samuelson, was left in critical condition Friday after police say a 22-year-old man from Chicago shot him in an emergency room. The alleged shooter, identified as Sharod Grafton Jr., fled into nearby woods befor
The morning began with a routine traffic stop near Westville. By the time officers arrived at the hospital, it turned into a violent confrontation that left an Indiana deputy fighting for his life.
Around 6:45 a.m. on Friday, Deputy Jon Samuelson of the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department stopped near Westville to help a vehicle that appeared to be disabled, officials said. The occupant asked Samuelson to take him to Franciscan Health Michigan City for treatment.
After arriving at the hospital, Samuelson—described by police as a 12-year department veteran—discovered that the man may have been involved in a crime in Illinois. An altercation followed inside the emergency room, police said. The man pulled out a firearm and shot Samuelson.
Samuelson was in critical condition. He was flown to South Bend Memorial Hospital for care.
In a statement, LaPorte County Sheriff Ronald Heeg asked the community to rally for the deputy and his family. “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. ” Heeg said.
The alleged shooter was identified by police as Sharod Grafton Jr., 22, from Chicago. After the shooting, Grafton escaped and ran through a nearby wooded area. Responding officers found and detained him, according to the Indiana State Police. Officers also found the firearm they believed was used to shoot Samuelson.
Grafton is being held at the Porter County Jail in Valparaiso, and he is awaiting charges.
Indiana deputy shot Jon Samuelson LaPorte County Sheriff Sharod Grafton Jr. Franciscan Health Michigan City South Bend Memorial Hospital Porter County Jail Valparaiso Westville