By: Stan Maddux
A fundraiser near Three Oaks generated over $40,000 for a police officer from just across the state line.
La Porte County Sheriff’s Deputy Jon Samuelson is at a rehabilitation center after hospitalized for several weeks when shot multiple times in May.
One of the bullets lodged in his upper spine causing paralysis from the chest down.
The suspect, Sharrod Grafton, Jr., 22. of Chicago continues to be held on $100,000 cash only bond after his request for a lower bail was denied by a judge on June 12.
He’s scheduled for trial on November 9 on charges that include Level 1 felony attempted murder.
Authorities said Grafton after stealing his mother’s car at gunpoint in Chicago was in La Porte County when Samuelson thinking he was a disabled motorist stopped to help.
Samuelson as requested drove Grafton to Franciscan Health, a hospital near Michigan City, and left but soon returned after learning he was a suspect in the auto theft.
After confronting Grafton, there was a struggle before Samuelson was shot in the emergency room area.
Over 200 people attended the fund raiser Sunday, July 26, at Deer Creek Hunt Club. “It was a great event for a great cause. We continue to keep Jon in our thoughts and prayers,” said Berrien County Sheriff Chuck Heit.
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office provided the shotgun shells for the over 150 people who took part in firing at clay pigeons. A $95 ticket included a barbecue lunch and other side dishes like sweet corn and a round of skeet shooting along with live music.
Additional funds were raised during a silent auction for items ranging from a charter boat fishing trip to a football, helmet and jersey donated by the Chicago Bears.
“He told me the absolute, 100-percent thing that he’s focused on is walking again. He’s very determined,” said Mike Kellems, a former co-worker, who has visited Samuelson a few times since the shooting.
He’s spending up to five hours a day in therapy doing things like hand pedaling a mountain bike. Samuelson has also transitioned from an electric to a standard wheelchair.