A confrontation in Indian River County, Florida, turned violent Tuesday night when a federal fugitive task force attempted to arrest a 72-year-old former neurosurgeon. The encounter, which took place during a felony traffic stop, left one U.S. Marshal wounded and the suspect hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds.
The incident began when members of the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force—including detectives from the Martin County and Indian River County Sheriff’s Offices—located Thomas Steffens.
Steffens was the subject of an active warrant out of Colorado involving allegations that he used prescription medications to drug and sexually assault a victim.
Authorities had been tipped off that Steffens was traveling to the Treasure Coast by bus. Critically, investigators had received prior reports that Steffens “would not be taken into custody alive.”
After identifying the vehicle Steffens was riding in, the task force conducted a tactical stop. Officials state that Steffens, who was in the passenger seat, ignored repeated lawful commands to step out of the car.
Instead of surrendering, Steffens allegedly pulled a weapon and opened fire on the five task force members from inside the vehicle.
The officers and marshals immediately returned fire, hitting Steffens several times. During the chaotic exchange, a U.S. Marshal was struck in the leg. The injured marshal was treated at a nearby medical facility and has since been released.
Steffens was transported to a local hospital for surgery.
Despite the severity of his injuries, medical staff expect him to survive. While the original sexual assault charges in Colorado remain pending, Steffens now faces additional charges of attempted murder for the attack on the officers.
The Martin County detectives involved in the shootout were not harmed.
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