Wanted neurosurgeon accused of drugging and raping a patient opens fire on U.S. Marshals Task Force in Vero Beach

(March 4, 2026) –  A former neurosurgeon wanted on sexual assault charges out of Colorado opened fire on law enforcement officers Monday night on the streets of Vero Beach in Indian River County, triggering a violent shootout that left a U.S. Marshal wounded and the suspect hospitalized.

The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office (IRCSO) announced on social media that 12th Street between Commerce Avenue and Old Dixie Highway would remain closed while they conducted their initial investigation following the deputy-involved shooting.  Roads in the area were closed for several hours

Thomas Steffens, 72, was the target of a United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force operation on March 2. Two Indian River County Sheriff’s Office detectives and two Martin County Sheriff’s Office detectives assigned to the Task Force were attempting to serve a warrant tied to allegations that Steffens drugged a victim with prescription medications and sexually assaulted her.

Investigators learned Steffens was traveling by bus to Florida’s Treasure Coast and had reportedly indicated he would not be taken into custody alive. Task Force members located the vehicle he was riding in and initiated a traffic stop.

An unidentified female driving the car exited the vehicle when instructed to do so by authorities.  IRCSO reported that Steffens, seated in the passenger seat, refused repeated commands to exit the vehicle. Instead, he opened fire on the five Task Force members from inside the car.

Detectives and U.S. Marshals immediately returned fire, striking Steffens multiple times.  During the exchange, one U.S. Marshal was shot in the leg. The marshal was treated for injuries and later released. No Indian River County deputies were injured.

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Steffens was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive despite being struck multiple times.  In addition to the pending sexual assault charges in Colorado, Steffens now faces attempted murder charges stemming from the shooting.

The incident remains under investigation.  For more on the violent encounter, see the video accompanying this afticle.

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(Source and images: Indian River County Sheriff’s Office)
(Additional source: WPBF)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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