Chicago man pleads not guilty in Michigan City hospital shooting that paralyzed La Porte Sheriff's deputy
The man accused of shooting and critically wounding a La Porte County sheriff's deputy in a Michigan City, Indiana emergency room last week faced a judge on Friday.
Sharod Grafton, 22, appeared in court virtually as he pled not guilty to charges including attempted murder, battery against a public safety official, and auto theft. On Friday, prosecutors added a firearm enhancement to all of those counts, which will increase Grafton's sentence if convicted.
Grafton's family previously told police he suffers from PTSD. During the hearing, he told the judge he doesn't have any serious mental issues.
Grafton is being held on a $ 100,000 cash bond. He asked for a reduction, and the judge said she would look into it.
Court document released this week revealed Deputy Jon Samuelson may be paralyzed from the chest down as he remains hospitalized in critical condition following the shooting at Franciscan Health one week ago.
A new photo posted on the nonprofit "Caring Bridge" shows Samuelson reunited with his K-9 partner, Bosco, on Tuesday.
On the morning of May 22, Indiana State Police said Samuelson stopped to help a disabled vehicle on State Road 2, and the driver, now identified as Grafton, asked the deputy to take him to the hospital in Michigan City.
After he'd dropped him off at the emergency room, Samuelson was notified the man was a suspect in overnight criminal activity. Samuelson then returned to the emergency room to speak to Grafton. Police said there was a physical altercation, and the Grafton allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Samuelson three times, including once "point blank" in the neck, according to court documents.
Police said they found Grafton and a gun in a wooded area near the hospital after he ran away from the emergency room.
Grafton's next status hearing was set for July 12, and a trial date was set for November 9.
Friday's hearing was initially scheduled for Thursday, but the judge initially assigned to the case recused herself.
Wristband fundraiser held to help deputy
Outside of the same courthouse where Grafton's hearing was held, Samuelson's co-workers sold "Sammy Strong" wristbands on Friday afternoon to raise money to support the wounded deputy's family.
A steady flow of Hoosiers emptied their pockets and showed their support for Samuelson throughout the afternoon, buying the $5 wristbands to support Samuelson's family.
"We've had just an outreach from the community that everyone wants to show support," said LaPorte County Sheriff's deputy Austin Howell.
A photo recently posted to the non-profit Caring Bridge shows Samuelson being reunited with his K-9 partner, Bosco, in the intensive care unit on Tuesday.
"I was really glad to see that they let the dog come up and see him in the hospital and stuff. I'm sure that meant a lot to Jon," said Samuelson's friend, Rod Krassow. "It's been really rough. I hate seeing any police officer go through that, but when you know the person, and I know his father, and so it's been really rough."
Krassow came to the courthouse and bought 10 wristbands on Friday. He said it was heartwarming to see many other people come out to support Samuelson's family.
The wristbands are meant "to be worn in unity and support for Jon's fight ahead," organizers said.
All proceeds will go to the recovering deputy and his wife.
