In an uplifting development, a La Porte County sheriff’s deputy, injured in a shooting incident, is making strides in his recovery journey. The deputy, named Jon Samuelson, has been transferred to Chicago to commence rehabilitation, according to reports from ABC7. This move was marked by a show of solidarity, as Portage, Indiana first responders lined a portion of the route on Thursday to show their support.
The shooting of Deputy Samuelson occurred last month at a hospital in Michigan City, Indiana. The alleged shooter, identified as Sherod Grafton of Chicago, has been charged in connection with the incident. Grafton has entered a plea of not guilty in court.
During a recent virtual court appearance, Sherod Grafton was assigned a bond amounting to $100,000. The legal proceedings included the reading of the charges he now faces, which are severe and include attempted murder, the use of a firearm to cause serious bodily harm, auto theft, and battery against a public safety officer.
Sherod Grafton of Chicago is accused of shooting him. He pleaded not guilty in court.
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Grafton appeared virtually in court last week. A judge set bond for Grafton at $100,000.
Prosecutors also read out the charges that Grafton is now facing. They include attempted murder, use of a firearm to inflict serious bodily harm, auto theft and battery to a public safety officer.
Friday was Grafton’s first time appearing in court since the shooting that left Deputy Samuelson with severe injuries in the Michigan City hospital.
Friday’s hearing also came after Grafton’s first appearance was postponed because the previous judge recused themself saying their impartiality might be reasonably questioned.
Investigators said La Porte County Sheriff’s Deputy Samuelson was trying to be a good Samaritan when he stopped to help out Grafton, who was believed to be a stranded driver at the time.
Police accuse Grafton of pulling out a gun later at the hospital and shooting Deputy Samuelson three times.
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A court filing said the gun jammed when Grafton stood over him and tried to shoot him again.
One of the bullets that hit Deputy Samuelson lodged in his spine, according to the filing. He may be paralyzed from the chest down.
Grafton is due back in court on June 12.
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