Ex-Grand Junction Doctor Arrested After Shooting at Florida Officers

Thomas Steffens, 72, was wanted for drugging and sexually assaulting a victim before fleeing to Florida.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 8:54pm

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A former Grand Junction doctor, Thomas Steffens, was arrested in Florida after allegedly firing at law enforcement officers who were attempting to detain him. Steffens had a warrant out for his arrest in Mesa County, Colorado for drugging and sexually assaulting a victim. When U.S. Marshals and local deputies found Steffens and tried to pull him over, he refused to exit the vehicle and opened fire, prompting a shootout. Steffens was struck several times but is expected to survive. One U.S. Marshal was also shot in the leg but has been released from the hospital.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers that law enforcement can face when attempting to apprehend violent suspects, especially those who are wanted for serious crimes like sexual assault. It also raises questions about how a former doctor could allegedly commit such heinous acts and then evade authorities for a period of time.

The details

According to reports, the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force and deputies from Martin County and Indian River County in Florida located Steffens, who they knew was traveling to the Treasure Coast region. When they attempted to pull over the vehicle Steffens was riding in, he refused to exit and instead opened fire on the officers. The law enforcement officials returned fire, striking Steffens multiple times. One U.S. Marshal was shot in the leg but has since been released from the hospital. Steffens is facing charges of sexual assault, assault, and attempted murder.

  • On March 1, 2026, Steffens allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted a victim in Mesa County, Colorado.
  • On March 3, 2026, law enforcement located Steffens in Florida and attempted to detain him, leading to the shootout.

The players

Thomas Steffens

A 72-year-old former neurosurgeon from Grand Junction, Colorado who was wanted on charges of drugging and sexually assaulting a victim.

U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force

The federal law enforcement team that was searching for and attempting to apprehend Steffens in Florida.

Martin County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency in Florida that assisted the U.S. Marshals in the operation to detain Steffens.

Indian River County Sheriff's Office

The other local law enforcement agency in Florida that assisted the U.S. Marshals in the operation to detain Steffens.

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What they’re saying

“Steffens said he 'would not be taken into custody alive'.”

— Martin County Sheriff's Office

What’s next

Steffens will face charges in both Colorado and Florida for the alleged sexual assault, assault, and attempted murder. The U.S. Marshals and local law enforcement will continue to investigate the full extent of his crimes.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the risks that law enforcement face when pursuing violent suspects, as well as the importance of apprehending dangerous individuals wanted for serious crimes like sexual assault. It also raises concerns about how a former medical professional could allegedly commit such heinous acts and evade authorities for a period of time.