Indiana Hospital Shooting – Indiana sheriff’s deputy shot in ER at Franciscan Hospital, Suspect Apprehended

An Indiana sheriff’s deputy remains in critical condition after being shot Friday morning inside Franciscan Health in Michigan City, following what authorities described as a violent altercation with a suspect he had earlier assisted along the roadside.

According to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office and the Indiana State Police, Deputy Jon Samuelson encountered a disabled vehicle around 6:45 a.m. near State Road 2 and 900 West in La Porte County, close to Westville. Authorities said the driver requested transportation to the hospital, and Samuelson agreed to take him to Franciscan Health in Michigan City.

While at the hospital, investigators said Samuelson learned the man may have been connected to an earlier criminal incident reported overnight. Police stated the deputy returned to the emergency department to speak with the suspect, where a confrontation reportedly broke out inside the ER area.

During the altercation, authorities say the suspect pulled out a handgun and shot Deputy Samuelson three times.

Deputy Jon Samuelson, who has served with the sheriff’s office for 12 years, was initially treated at the hospital before being airlifted to Memorial Hospital in South Bend for emergency medical care. Officials said he remains in critical condition.

The suspect was identified as Sharod Grafton Jr., 22, of Chicago. Following the shooting, police said he fled the hospital and ran into nearby wooded areas before officers located and arrested him. Investigators also recovered a handgun believed to have been used in the shooting.

Authorities confirmed that charges are pending against Sharod Grafton Jr., who is currently being held at the Porter County Jail while the investigation continues.

The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office described the shooting as an isolated incident and emphasized there is no ongoing threat to the public. The Indiana State Police is leading the investigation into the shooting.

Investigators continue working to determine the full sequence of events, including how the suspect allegedly entered the hospital while armed and whether any security procedures were followed before the confrontation occurred.

Authorities noted that Deputy Samuelson comes from a family with deep roots in law enforcement. Officials said his grandfather previously served as chief of police in La Porte, while his father is a retired officer with the Michigan City Police Department.

Indiana State Police Sgt. Glen Fifield called the shooting “senseless,” saying the deputy had simply been attempting to help a stranded motorist when the situation turned violent.

Following the incident, Franciscan Health released a statement assuring the public there is no active threat to patients, staff, or the surrounding community. Hospital officials confirmed the emergency department remains on ambulance bypass status, though walk-in patients are still being accepted through the main entrance. Some physician network offices at the facility were temporarily closed, while other hospital services remain operational.

The investigation remains active and ongoing.