Jon Samuelson, a 33-year-old officer at the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office, was shot three times at a hospital last week
Credit: La Porte County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook
NEED TO KNOW
- Jon Samuelson underwent eight hours of surgery following a shooting that left him in critical condition
- Samuelson was allegedly shot by Sharod Grafton Jr. while trying to help him
- Police believe Samuelson confronted Grafton upon learning about his alleged criminal activity
Authorities in Indiana have charged a man with attempted murder after he allegedly shot a police officer who rescued him from the road.
Jon Samuelson, a 33-year-old officer at the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office, was attacked at a hospital in Michigan City, Ind. on Friday, May 23, the sheriff's office said in a statement.
Sharod Grafton Jr., 22, has been charged in connection with the alleged shooting, WNDU, NBC Chicago and the Chicago Tribune reported, citing the Indiana State Police and LaPorte County officials.
The investigation revealed Samuelson, a K-9 handler with the sheriff's office, believed Grafton to be a stranded motorist when he picked him up on Friday morning near Westville, Ind., the outlets reported.
Grafton, of Illinois, allegedly asked Samuelson to take him to the hospital. Upon arriving there, Samuelson learned of of Grafton's alleged criminal activity, ISP said, according to the outlets.
When the officer confronted Grafton about the alleged criminal incident, which the Chicago Tribune reports was in Illinois, an altercation ensued, police said.
During the scuffle, Grafton allegedly brought out a gun and shot Samuelson three times, WNDU, FOX 32 and the Chicago Tribune. reported, citing police.
The LaPorte County Sheriff's Office said in an update over the weekend that Samuel underwent eight hours of surgery and was in critical but stable condition.
Credit: Indiana State Police
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Grafton has been charged with attempted murder, battery against a public safety official and auto theft, the Chicago Tribune, FOX 32 Chicago and ABC Chicago reported, citing ISP.
It wasn't immediately clear if Grafton has entered pleas or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf.
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