The 23-year-old Chicago man charged with attempted murder in the shooting of a La Porte County Sheriff’s Deputy at a hospital in Michigan City appeared in court for the first time, one week after the incident.
Sharod Grafton made his initial court appearance on a closed-circuit video feed from the Jail. He did not have an attorney.
Judge Julianne Havens explained his rights. She asked if he had mental issues. He said “yes, but not really serious.”
A prosecutor explained the charges - attempted murder, battery of a public safety official and auto theft - and told Grafton, if convicted, he could be sentenced to more than 100 years in prison, with sentencing enhancements for the use of a gun.
Moments later, Grafton seemed to be confused.
He asked the judge what the initial charge was. She asked, “did you hear the prosecutor explaining the charges?” He said “yes.”
The judge told Grafton he’d need $100,000 to get out of jail ahead of trial.
He asked if there’s “a partial fee he could pay.” He was told there was not.
He did not enter a plea. He’ll be back in the La Porte County Courthouse on June 12th.
A few of Deputy Samuelson’s fellow officers were in the courtroom.
Sharod GraftonProvided
The shooting occurred at about 7 a.m. on May 22nd.
Deputy Samuelson encountered Grafton on the side of a road, his car apparently broken down.
Grafton asked for a ride to the hospital, according to police. He rode in the front of the police vehicle. The deputy had called in the information about his passenger and the stalled vehicle. It is unknown whether Grafton was patted-down.
After Grafton was dropped off at the Franciscan Health hospital, police said, Samuelson learned that the car Grafton had been driving was stolen at gunpoint earlier that morning from his mother in Chicago.
Samuelson returned to arrest Grafton and there was a confrontation and struggle that spilled into the Emergency room, police said. Surveillance video captured the incident. There is no sound.
Its alleged that Grafton shot Samuelson three times, including once in the head as they struggled. That bullet travelled through his neck and was lodged in his spine. After Samuelson was shot, Grafton allegedly stood over him as he was face-down on the floor and tried to fire another shot. The gun appeared to have malfunctioned, according to court documents.
Those documents filed by the La Porte County Prosecuting Attorney, Sean Fagan, indicated Samuelson suffered paralyses from the chest down. It is unclear whether that would be permanent.
Grafton, according to police, ran to a wooded area adjacent to the hospital after the incident and was taken into custody.
The Sheriff’s Office reports that Samuelson is doing well with recovery but has a long way to go.
He was able to see his K-9 partner, Bosco, in the hospital.
