Martin County, Fla. (BuzzReport) — A 72-year-old fugitive and former neurosurgeon was shot Monday night after authorities say he opened fire on members of a federal fugitive task force attempting to arrest him in Indian River County.
According to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, two of its detectives, along with two detectives from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office and deputies assigned to the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, were involved in the exchange of gunfire while attempting to serve an out-of-state warrant.
The suspect, identified as Thomas Steffens, was wanted in Colorado on charges alleging he drugged a victim with prescription medication and sexually assaulted her. Authorities had tracked Steffens to Florida after learning he was traveling by bus to the Treasure Coast region.
Investigators also reported that Steffens had told an associate he would not be taken into custody alive.
Traffic Stop Turns Violent
Law enforcement officials located the vehicle Steffens was riding in and conducted a traffic stop in Indian River County. Steffens was seated in the passenger seat at the time.
Authorities said Steffens refused multiple commands to exit the vehicle. During the confrontation, he allegedly produced a firearm and began shooting at the five members of the task force from inside the car.
Officers returned fire, striking Steffens multiple times.
During the exchange, one U.S. marshal was shot in the leg. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment and has since been released. The two Indian River County detectives were not injured.
Steffens was also transported to a nearby hospital and is expected to survive his injuries, officials said.
Additional Charges Pending
In addition to the outstanding sexual assault charges from Colorado, Steffens now faces attempted murder charges in connection with Monday night’s shooting, according to the sheriff’s office.
The incident remains under active investigation. Authorities have not released additional details regarding the circumstances leading up to the traffic stop or whether anyone else was inside the vehicle at the time.
Officials emphasized that the operation was part of a coordinated effort between local and federal agencies to apprehend fugitives believed to pose a danger to the public.
Further updates are expected as the investigation continues.