LaPorte Co. deputy shot after helping stranded motorist

(MICHIGAN CITY, Ind.) – A Northern Indiana deputy remains hospitalized after being shot in the line of duty on Friday.

LaPorte County Deputy Jon Samuelson was driving near Westville when he saw a stranded motorist yesterday morning.

The motorist asked for a ride to the hospital which Samuelson provided, police said. 

At the hospital, Samuelson learned the motorist was involved in a crime that had happened in Illinois. 

An altercation ensued where police say the suspect, identified as Sharod Grafton Jr., of Chicago, shot Samuelson three times. Grafton allegedly ran out of the hospital but was eventually taken into custody. 

On Saturday, the Samuelson family provided an update on the 33-year-old deputy’s condition. 

“He underwent approximately eight hours of surgery, which surgeons later described as successful. Medical staff remain optimistic regarding his recovery,” they said. 

The family said he remains in critical but stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit at a Michigan City hospital.

“Thank you to the surgeons and the entire medical staff at Memorial Hospital for the exceptional care being provided to Deputy Samuelson,” stated LaPorte County Sheriff Heeg.  “Please continue to pray for Jon, his family and friends, and the entire law enforcement community.”

Deputy Samuelson is a 12-year veteran of the the department and is a K-9 handler and a DEA task force officer.