Ex-GJ Doctor Wanted for Assault Shoots U.S. Marshal in Florida Gunfight

72-year-old Thomas Steffens accused of drugging and sexually assaulting a woman in Colorado, now faces attempted murder charges after shootout with authorities.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A former Grand Junction VA doctor who was wanted on sexual assault charges in Colorado allegedly shot a U.S. marshal during a gunfight with authorities in Florida on Monday night. 72-year-old Thomas Steffens, an ex-neurosurgeon, is accused of drugging a woman with prescription medications before sexually assaulting her in Grand Junction in January. Steffens was reportedly 'on the run' in Florida when a task force of U.S. marshals and Florida detectives located him, leading to a shootout where Steffens was struck multiple times and a marshal was shot in the leg. Both are expected to survive.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers law enforcement face when pursuing violent suspects, as well as the ongoing challenges in apprehending individuals accused of serious crimes who attempt to evade justice. The case also raises questions about how a doctor could allegedly abuse his position of trust and authority to commit such acts.

The details

According to the Martin County Sheriff's Office, Steffens is accused of drugging a woman with prescription medications before sexually assaulting her in Grand Junction, Colorado in January 2026. Authorities say he then fled to Florida, where a task force of five U.S. marshals and Florida detectives was assigned to find and arrest him. When they located Steffens, he reportedly opened fire from inside his car, leading to a gunfight in which Steffens was struck multiple times and a U.S. marshal was shot in the leg. Both are expected to survive their injuries.

  • The alleged sexual assault incident occurred in Grand Junction, Colorado in January 2026.
  • The shootout between Steffens and authorities took place on Monday night in Florida.

The players

Thomas Steffens

A 72-year-old former neurosurgeon at the Grand Junction VA who is accused of drugging and sexually assaulting a woman in Colorado in January 2026. He was reportedly 'on the run' in Florida when authorities located him, leading to a shootout.

U.S. Marshals

A task force of five U.S. marshals and Florida detectives that was assigned to find and arrest Steffens in Florida.

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What they’re saying

“This is a bad guy that did not want to go to prison. Unfortunately, he got shot tonight. And our team did a great job.”

— Sheriff Eric Flowers, Indian River County Sheriff's Office (westernslopenow.com)

What’s next

Steffens will face attempted murder charges in addition to the sexual assault, second degree assault by strangulation, and third degree assault charges brought by the Grand Junction Police Department. The U.S. marshal shot during the gunfight is expected to recover from their injuries.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the risks and challenges law enforcement face when pursuing suspects accused of violent crimes, as well as the importance of thorough investigations and apprehension of individuals who attempt to evade justice. The case also raises troubling questions about how a medical professional could allegedly abuse their position of trust to commit such egregious acts.