Former Moses Lake Physician Arrested by U.S. Marshals After Exchange of Gunfire

Thomas Steffens, a 72-year-old former Moses Lake physician, was arrested on Monday in Vero Beach, Florida, following an exchange of gunfire with a U.S. Marshals regional fugitive task force.

Steffens previously spent many years practicing medicine in Moses Lake. State of Washington Department of Health records show he held an Osteopathic Physician and Surgeon License that was first issued on November 26, 1990. The license is currently listed as expired.

He later moved to Colorado, most recently working as a neurosurgeon at the VA hospital in Grand Junction.

Colorado Assault Allegations

The arrest is the result of an investigation by the Grand Junction Police Department into allegations that Steffens drugged a victim with prescription medications and sexually assaulted her on January 28.

Following the investigation, authorities issued a warrant for his arrest on February 25 on multiple sexual assault charges.

Florida Shootout

U.S. Marshals Service investigators in Grand Junction uncovered information indicating Steffens was traveling to Florida’s Treasure Coast.

They relayed this to the U.S. Marshals Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force, who located the vehicle Steffens was riding in and initiated a traffic stop near Vero Beach.

According to authorities, the situation escalated when Steffens refused multiple commands to exit the vehicle and allegedly opened fire on the officers. During the exchange, members of the task force returned fire, striking Steffens multiple times.

One deputy U.S. Marshal was shot in the leg, received immediate medical treatment at the scene, and was transported to a local medical center. Officials stated the injured marshal was released on Tuesday.

Detectives from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office and the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office who were assigned to the task force were also involved in the incident, but were not injured.

Current Status

Steffens was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive his injuries. In addition to the initial sexual assault charges from Colorado, he is now facing additional charges, including the attempted murder of a federal officer. The case remains under investigation.