Deputy Jon Samuelson, a 12‑year veteran of the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office, was critically injured early Friday when he tried to handcuff suspect Sharod Grafton inside a Michigan City hospital. The altercation, captured on surveillance video, left the deputy with three gunshot wounds and permanent paralysis.

Deputy Jon Samuelson shot three times in Michigan City ER

According to Indiana State Police, Samuelson stopped to assist Grafton’s disabled vehicle on State Road 2 near Westville at about 6:45 a.m., then drove the suspect to Franciscan Health Michigan City.. After learning Grafton was wanted for an armed carjacking, Samuelson returned to the hospital, located the suspect in a bathroom area, and began the arrest. Court documents detail that as Samuelson tried to handcuff Grafton, the suspect produced a handgun, and a struggle ensued, ending with a point‑blank shot that struck the deputy.

The surveillance footage shows the two men tumbling into the triage area, and a nurse testified that Samuelson maneuvered Grafton’s hand away before the fatal shot was fired. The nurse’s account underscores that Samuelson’s quick action likely saved the nurse’s own life.

Sharod Grafton’s armed carjacking and hospital escape

Grafton, 22, faces an attempted‑murder charge for the shooting and an earlier armed carjacking in Chicago involving his mother’s silver Chrysler 300.. Prior to the hospital incident, investigators found Grafton had barricaded himself inside his mother’s home, threatened her with a gun, and seized her car keys before fleeing.

After the shooting, Grafton fled the emergency room, hid in the bed of a pickup truck in the parking lot, and then escaped into nearby woods. He was captured shortly thereafter, and the firearm was recovered from the truck where he had concealed it.

Medical aftermath: paralysis and K‑9 reunion

Samuelson was airlifted to Memorial Hospital in South Bend with wounds to his left shoulder, right calf, and behind his left ear; the latter bullet lodged in his spine, causing paralysis from the chest down.. Medical staff have expressed optimism about his recovery, noting he can communicate and remains in good spirits.

The deputy, a member of the Highway Interdiction Unit, a handler for K‑9 Bosco, and a U.S. dEA Task Force officer, was reunited with his canine partner in the intensive‑care unit on Tuesday, a moment described by the sheriff’s office as a morale boost for the wounded officer.

Unresolved legal steps: judge recusal and pending hearing

Grafton was slated for a LaPorte County court appearance on Thursday, but the presiding judge recused herself, leaving the case without a hearing date. A new judge will be assigned, and officials have not yet set a rescheduled appearance.

As the investigation continues, authorities have not released details about any additional charges beyond attempted murder, and the exact circumstances of the suspect’s initial carjacking remain under review.

According to the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office, Samuelson’s recovery progress is being closely monitored, and the department is reviewing protocols for handling dangerous suspects in medical facilities.