Food Network star Tobias Dorzon details terrifying night he and girlfriend were shot 11 times in Uber robbery

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Food Network star Tobias Dorzon is sharing his story about a terrifying robbery he survived almost a year ago, an event that profoundly impacted his life.

A 40-year-old former professional football player was shot eleven times in a random attack outside his home in Hyattsville, Maryland. Both he and his girlfriend were injured and taken to the hospital.

Dorzon shared with People magazine that he and his partner had dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steak House. On the way home, after a 30-minute Uber ride, they didn’t realize they were being followed as they arrived at his house.

An Uber was stopped by another vehicle, and when Dorzon exited to help his girlfriend with the door, several gunmen emerged and began shooting.

Ironically, it was the one night he’d gone out without his security team.

I tried to shield her from the attack, but then I started getting hit myself,” Dorzon explained. “I fell to the ground and attempted to crawl towards the sidewalk, but I couldn’t reach my daughter and wasn’t sure where she was.

Let me tell you, in moments of extreme crisis, your mind races. You’re left questioning everything, even basic safety. Like, you’re trying to process why someone would approach you after harming you – are they finishing the job, or is it something else entirely? It’s a terrifying uncertainty. Honestly, when everything else fades away, your biggest concern becomes the well-being of your family. That’s what really stays with you, hoping they’ll be okay.

According to Dorzon, the burglars stole around $100,000 worth of items, such as an Audemars Piguet watch and a diamond necklace.

‘At that point, I’m thinking they’re going to pretty much finish me off,’ he said. 

Despite seeing his hands covered in blood, he didn’t realize how many times he’d been shot.

Despite being hurt and lying on the curb, he was somehow able to FaceTime his brother and explain what had occurred.

His girlfriend, Crystal Swan, had also been hit and collapsed on the front lawn. 

A neighbor called 911 as the suspects fled in a stolen car, according to police.

After waking up in the hospital, Dorzon received the devastating news that an injury had caused him to lose all sensation below his left knee, and he might not be able to walk again.

Swan, 39, survived and stayed by his side.

‘I really didn’t know what to take from everything,’ he said. 

I never expected to return home and make a real difference, especially since I’ve always stayed out of trouble. The idea of being a local success story just seemed impossible for someone like me.

I constantly question whether I made the right decision going out that night, wondering if I should have stayed home. I replay it all in my head, but ultimately, I remind myself that there’s a larger plan for my life.

Since the attack, Dorzon has focused entirely on getting better. He spent almost a year in rehabilitation, and doctors weren’t sure if he’d ever be able to walk again.

In July, he took to Instagram to reflect on the journey and share an emotional update with fans.

‘I don’t have much to say. Because how do you put words to something like this?’ he wrote. 

You can’t prepare for being shot, and there’s no guide for how to cope with it. I’m still trying to process my emotions and adjust to this changed reality, learning to live and breathe again.

I truly believe God was watching over me that night, protecting me and my family. I’m grateful for that protection every day, and for still being alive.

Now, Dorzon says he’s channeling that gratitude into his passion for food.

He told People he’s incredibly thankful to be present, still cooking, and able to create enjoyable experiences for others.

I’ve always wanted to create a food experience people will remember – that’s been my biggest goal and dream.

Chef Dorzon is returning to TV in the Food Network’s Tournament of Champions: All-Star Christmas, which starts airing on Wednesday, November 5th.

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2025-11-04 18:23