MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. (WNDU) – A LaPorte County deputy was shot at a hospital after helping who he thought was a stranded motorist, Indiana State Police said.
The shooting happened at Franciscan Health, a hospital in Michigan City. ISP identified the victim as Jon Samuelson. They added that the suspect, Sharod Grafton Jr., was arrested and booked at the Porter County Jail.
According to ISP, Samuelson was shot three times.
Jon Samuelson is pictured here with his K-9 Bosco in 2024. Samuelson noticed Bosco was having a heat stroke and took swift action to save his life. (WNDU)
ISP said Samuelson was driving to a work-related function when he pulled over to help a stranded motorist, identified as Grafton, who asked Samuelson for a ride to the hospital.
After dropping Grafton off at the hospital, Samuelson left.
Moments later, Samuelson learned the vehicle Grafton was found with had been involved in prior criminal activity. ISP said Samuelson went back to the hospital to talk to Grafton, which led to a scuffle and ultimately the shooting.
ISP said Samuelson is in critical condition and was flown to Memorial Hospital in South Bend.
According to the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office, there is no immediate threat to the public.
Indiana State Police are leading the investigation.
You’re asked to avoid the area, but Franciscan Health said the ER and some of its other services remain open.
“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 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.”
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates as they become available.
Stay up to date on local news with WNDU on-air and online. Be sure to download the 16 News Now App and follow our YouTube page as we continue to bring you the latest news coverage.
Copyright 2026 WNDU. All rights reserved.
