05/22/2026
Our prayers go out to this Deputy and the Laporte County Sheriff’s Office 🙏
Deputy Shot At Franciscan Michigan City After Aiding With A Disabled Vehicle
Police are investigating a shooting that left a 12-year Veteran La Porte County Sheriff Deputy wounded Friday morning at Franciscan Health Michigan City, prompting an active shooter response and a heavy police presence around the hospital.
According to information gathered by Region News Source, the incident unfolded near the emergency room after an officer reportedly assisted a subject connected to a disabled vehicle with a ride to the hospital. The officer, who was on his way to training, stopped to assist that motorist and offer a ride. After the subject was dropped off, the officer, later learned the subject was allegedly involved in an earlier crime and returned to make contact with him. During that encounter, an altercation occurred and the suspect allegedly shot the officer.
Emergency radio traffic indicated the suspect fled into a wooded area near U.S. 421 and County Road 400 North. Officers broadcast a description of a suspect wearing a green shirt and green jacket who was reportedly armed with a G***k handgun. At one point, authorities announced one person had been detained before later radio traffic indicated, “They got him.”
Law enforcement confirmed the crime scene includes the ER lobby and emergency entrance area. Indiana State Police have reportedly taken over the investigation.
The suspect has been identified as Sharod Grafton Jr., a 22-year-old man from Chicago. Region News believes the vehicle involved may have been taken from a family member by force.
Franciscan Health later released a statement saying there was no active threat to patients, staff, or the community. The emergency department remained on ambulance bypass, while walk-in patients continued to be accepted through the hospital’s main entrance. All other hospital services remained open.
The wounded officer was initially reported in critical but stable condition and was later flown to Memorial Hospital in South Bend for further treatment.
The suspect was transported to La Porte County Jail and will be transferred to Porter County Jail.
This remains a developing story.
