Ind. Deputy Shot by Motorist He Helped Begins Rehabilitation
What to know
- LaPorte County Sheriff’s Deputy Jon Samuelson has been transferred to an intensive inpatient rehabilitation facility in Chicago two weeks after being shot while trying to arrest a stranded motorist he had assisted earlier in the day.
- The 33-year-old deputy, who was shot three times during the May 22 confrontation, now faces several hours of therapy each day as he continues recovering from injuries that included a bullet lodged in his spine.
- Samuelson’s department praised the support shown by law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies along his transport route and described the third-generation police officer as determined to fight through the long recovery ahead.
Among those showing support was the Portage Fire Department, which displayed an American flag from one of its truck towers Thursday afternoon as Samuelson passed through the area.
Police say Samuelson was shot during the early morning hours of May 22 at Franciscan Health Michigan City hospital by 22-year-old Sharod Grafton of Chicago after giving Grafton a courtesy ride to the hospital.
After Samuelson learned Grafton was suspected of stealing a vehicle earlier that morning at gunpoint in Chicago, Samuelson went to arrest him and was shot three times: once in the shoulder, once grazing his right calf and once in the neck.
Court records show Samuelson may face long-term injuries from the shooting after it was discovered a bullet was lodged in his spine.
Samuelson underwent an eight-hour surgery and had been in an intensive care unit until his transfer Thursday, according to his department.
"During his 13-night stay, he received exceptional around-the-clock care from an incredible team of medical professionals," police said.
"From their compassionate bedside manner and unwavering encouragement to the timely ‘field trips’ outside for fresh air, along with the countless smiles, laughs, handshakes and fist bumps, the surgeons, nurses, therapists and support staff who cared for Jon played an immeasurable role in his recovery," his department reported. "Their skill, dedication and genuine compassion will never be forgotten. May God continue to bless each of them."
The South Bend Police Department and St. Joseph County Police Department were also lauded for their support.
"They welcomed Deputy Samuelson as if he was one of their own," LaPorte County police said. "Whether visible or working quietly behind the scenes, their efforts allowed others to remain focused on Jon’s care and recovery."
"The road ahead will be challenging, but if the last fourteen days have shown us anything, it is that Deputy Samuelson is a fighter," LaPorte County police said.
Grafton is charged with attempted murder, battery against a public safety official and auto theft.
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