Former Neurosurgeon Arrested in Florida After Shootout with U.S. Marshals, Faces Sexual Assault Charges

A former neurosurgeon who practiced in Moses Lake, Washington, and Grand Junction, Colorado, is in custody following a shootout with U.S. Marshals in Vero Beach, Florida. Thomas Steffens, 72, is facing multiple charges, including sexual assault in Colorado and attempted murder of a federal officer in Florida.

Background: Sexual Assault Allegations in Colorado

The arrest stems from allegations that Steffens sexually assaulted a woman in Grand Junction, Colorado, on January 28. According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Steffens is accused of drugging his alleged victim with prescription medications he obtained . A warrant was issued on February 25, charging Steffens with multiple sexual assault offenses and felony strangulation .

U.S. Marshals Locate and Attempt Arrest in Florida

Investigators with the U.S. Marshals Service learned Steffens was traveling to Florida’s Treasure Coast. The U.S. Marshals Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force located Steffens’ vehicle near Vero Beach and initiated a traffic stop .

Shootout and Arrest

Authorities state Steffens refused to comply with commands to exit the vehicle and allegedly opened fire on the officers. Members of the task force returned fire, striking Steffens multiple times . One deputy U.S. Marshal sustained a gunshot wound to the leg but received immediate treatment and was released from a local medical center . Steffens was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive .

Additional Charges and Extradition

In addition to the Colorado sexual assault charges, Steffens now faces attempted murder charges in Florida related to the shooting of the U.S. Marshal . Mesa County District Attorney Dan Rubinstein stated that Steffens will ultimately be extradited to Colorado, but the process will be lengthy, as he must first face charges in Florida . Rubinstein anticipates it could take at least a year before Steffens is returned to Colorado .

Steffens’ Medical Background

Steffens is a former neurosurgeon who previously practiced medicine for many years in Moses Lake, Washington, before moving to Grand Junction, Colorado, where he most recently worked at the VA hospital .

The case remains under investigation.