LaPorte County Sheriff Ronald Heeg is asking the community to keep deputy Jon Samuelson in their prayers after he was injured in a shooting.

Indiana State Police said Sharod Grafton, Jr., shot Samuelson three times at Franciscan Health, a hospital in Michigan City, on Friday, according to a report from WNDU.

Samuelson was taken to Memorial Hospital in South Bend. ISP said Samuelson was in stable but critical condition.

Sheriff Heeg said they are asking the community to come together in support of Samuelson.

“Now more than ever, we need our residents across the county to stand together in strength, faith and support for one of our own,” Heeg said. “Deputy Samuelson has dedicated his life to serving and protecting this county, and we ask everyone now to stand beside him and his loved ones with prayer and solidarity. Please keep Jon, his family, and the entire LCSO law enforcement community in your thoughts and prayers.”

According to ISP, Samuelson saw a stranded motorist, identified as Grafton, and decided to help. Grafton asked Samuelson for a ride to the hospital, to which he obliged.

Moments later, Samuelson learned the vehicle Grafton was found with had been involved in prior criminal activity. ISP said Samuelson went back to the hospital to talk to Grafton, which led to a scuffle and ultimately the shooting.

Various police departments across the region offered words of support after three shootings, including the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook: “Our hearts and prayers are going out to Deputy Samuelson, his family and the LaPorte County Sheriff's Department.”

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