Critically Wounded Ind. Deputy Moves Toe During Recovery

LaPorte County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathon Samuelson, who was shot three times outside a hospital in May, recently moved his right toe and has regained sensation as he continues rehabilitation.

By AJ Dolan

Source The Times, Munster, Ind.

Aug. 26, 2026

2 min read

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LaPorte County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathon Samuelson, who was critically wounded in a May shooting, is showing new signs of recovery, including regaining sensation in his thighs and lower back.
Samuelson recently moved his right toe on command, no longer needs the cervical collar he had worn since the shooting and has gained enough upper-body strength to sit upright and perform modified pushups.
The deputy also reunited with his service-certified Labrador, Mable, as he continues inpatient rehabilitation with support from his family, medical team and community.

LaPorte County sheriff's deputy Jonathon Samuelson is showing new signs of progress as he recovers from a May shooting, the sheriff's office announced in a press release Tuesday.

Samuelson, who was left in critical condition May 22 after being shot three times outside Franciscan Health Michigan City by a man he'd reportedly assisted, recently began to regain subtle sensation in his thighs and has also reported sensation in his buttocks and lower back, the release said. Early last week, he moved his right toe on command — a milestone the sheriff's office called "truly remarkable."

The deputy can also now sit upright and complete modified pushups while seated on a mat thanks to improved strength and balance in his upper-torso, according to the release.

Samuelson had worn a cervical collar continuously since May 22, the day he was shot, but his medical team determined late last month that he no longer needed it. Its removal has brought him significant relief, the sheriff’s office said.

Samuelson briefly transitioned from inpatient to outpatient rehabilitation earlier this month, but returned to inpatient care at the same Illinois rehabilitation facility because of equipment issues. Samuelson’s wife, Quinn Samuelson, and his medical team agreed the move would allow him to continue working with staff familiar with his recovery while receiving additional support.

The latest update also brought a reunion for Jonathon Samuelson and Quinn Samuelson with their 2-year-old chocolate Labrador, Mable, who is now service-certified. It was the first time the couple and Mable had all been together since the shooting, the release said.

Quinn Samuelson described the reunion as “amazing.”

Jonathon Samuelson will continue inpatient rehabilitation as he works through the next stages of recovery. The sheriff’s office said the family remains grateful for the messages, cards, donations and prayers they have received.

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