A LaPorte County Sheriff's deputy is in critical condition after being shot three times inside a Michigan City hospital by a man he had given a ride to.
The shooting occurred Friday, May 22, 2026, in the emergency department of Franciscan Health Michigan City.
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Indiana State Police said 33-year-old Deputy Jon Samuelson, a 12-year veteran and K9 handler, was airlifted to South Bend Memorial Hospital around 10 a.
m. He remains in critical condition with multiple gunshot wounds.
The suspect, 22-year-old Sharod Grafton Jr. of Chicago, fled into a wooded area west of the hospital but was quickly arrested.
Officers recovered a handgun and transferred him to the Porter County Jail pending formal charges.
The incident began around 6:45 a. m.
when Samuelson stopped on State Road 2 near Westville to help Grafton, who requested a ride to the hospital.
Before the ride, the deputy learned of Grafton's alleged involvement in an earlier Illinois crime.
"This officer thought he was helping a stranded motorist and it turns into this," said Indiana State Police Sgt.
Glen Fifield.
An altercation in the emergency room followed after Samuelson returned to speak with Grafton about the prior criminal activity.
"Deputy was informed of his criminal activity, and that the suspect was a suspect of that or involved in some way and went back to discuss it with him, and that's when this physical altercation took place and resulted in him being shot," Sgt.
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Fifield said.
Samuelson comes from a law enforcement family.
His grandfather served as LaPorte police chief, and his father was on duty as a hospital security guard during the shooting.
"LaPorte 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," said LaPorte County Sheriff Ron Heeg.
Local law enforcement departments, including South Bend and St. Joseph County police, provided security and escorted Samuelson's family to the hospital.
"Now more than ever, we need our residents across the county to stand together in strength, faith, and support for one of our own," Sheriff Heeg said.
The superintendent of South Central Community School Corporation also expressed solidarity, noting that Samuelson frequently conducted safety days and K-9 demonstrations for local students.
Hospital officials confirmed no other staff or visitors were injured. The shooting was an isolated incident with no ongoing public threat.
"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," Franciscan Health said in a statement.
The hospital's emergency department went on ambulance bypass, but walk-in patients are still accepted through the main entrance.
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On-site physician network offices remain closed.
