Overview
- Thomas Earl Steffens, 72, wanted in Colorado for allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting a woman, was wounded and taken into custody in Vero Beach during a U.S. Marshals fugitive task force operation.
- Officials say Steffens fired first from the passenger seat during a stop near 12th Street and Commerce Avenue, prompting deputies and a marshal to return fire using lethal and less‑lethal rounds.
- A deputy U.S. marshal was shot in the leg and released from the hospital, Steffens was struck multiple times and is expected to survive, and at least one deputy sustained a minor injury.
- Steffens faces attempted murder charges in Florida in addition to Colorado counts that include two sexual assault charges, second‑degree assault–strangulation, and third‑degree assault.
- Authorities had tracked him to Florida after tips he traveled by bus, reported prior statements that he would not be taken alive, recovered multiple high‑powered weapons from his home, and said body‑camera video exists but remains unreleased as the Marshals Service leads the case.