In a hopeful development, a La Porte County sheriff’s deputy wounded in a shooting is making progress in his recovery. On Thursday, Deputy Jon Samuelson was transferred to Chicago to commence rehabilitation, as confirmed by ABC7. First responders from Portage, Indiana, paid tribute by lining part of his route.
The incident occurred last month at a hospital in Michigan City, Indiana, where Deputy Samuelson was shot.
The accused shooter, Sherod Grafton from Chicago, has been charged in connection with the incident. He entered a plea of not guilty during his court appearance.
Last week, Grafton made a virtual appearance in court, where a judge set his bond at $100,000.
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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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