A 12-year veteran with the La Porte County Sheriff’s Department is fighting for his life after being shot three times Friday morning at Franciscan Health.

Authorities say Deputy Jon Samuelson stopped to help what appeared to be a stranded motorist while on his way to training. After giving the man a ride to the hospital, the deputy later learned the subject may have been connected to another incident and returned to speak with him. During that encounter, an altercation reportedly broke out inside the emergency room area, and the suspect opened fire.

Deputy Samuelson was critically wounded and airlifted to Memorial Hospital in South Bend, where he underwent surgery.

The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Sharod Grafton Jr. of Chicago, allegedly fled into a nearby wooded area before law enforcement captured him following a large police search. Authorities say there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Hospital officials confirmed the emergency department was temporarily placed on ambulance bypass, though the facility remains open.

Please keep Deputy Samuelson, his family, fellow deputies, and all first responders in your prayers tonight. 🙏💙

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