by Hyattsville, Maryland – A year after surviving a near-fatal shooting that left him hospitalized for months, celebrity chef Tobias Dorzon is reflecting on his recovery, faith, and the unexpected support that helped him reclaim his life — and his place in the kitchen.
The acclaimed chef, known for his appearances on Food Network and for running two restaurants, Huncho House and 1123 by Chef Tobias, is returning to television this November with Tournament of Champions: All-Star Christmas. His journey back to culinary competition follows a harrowing attack that changed everything.
A Routine Date Night Turns Tragic
On November 5, 2024, Dorzon’s evening began as a simple date night with his long-distance girlfriend, Crystal Swan, who had just flown into town. The pair enjoyed dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Northwest D.C., unaware of the danger awaiting them later that night.
After dinner, they took an Uber back to Dorzon’s Hyattsville home. When their ride arrived, another car pulled up behind them. Assuming it was just another driver waiting to pass, Dorzon didn’t think much of it. But as he stepped out to open the car door for Swan, several armed men jumped out and opened fire.
“I was trying to cover her and then I started getting hit,” Dorzon told. “I went to the ground and tried to drag myself toward the curb, but I couldn’t hear my girl. Everything just went quiet.”
A Violent Robbery and a Fight to Survive
Dorzon, who had left his security team behind for the evening, was shot 11 times in the attack. The suspects robbed him of luxury items, including an Audemars Piguet watch and diamond necklace worth around $100,000, before fleeing the scene in a stolen car.
He managed to call his brother through FaceTime while lying on the curb, bleeding and in shock. His girlfriend, also struck by gunfire, collapsed on the front lawn as neighbors rushed to call 911.
Investigators later identified 21-year-old Devin Demetrius Spivey as one of the suspects. He faces multiple charges, including attempted first- and second-degree murder, armed robbery, and assault. His attorney has stated that Spivey maintains his innocence, and a trial is scheduled to begin on December 5.
A Long Road to Recovery
When Dorzon awoke in the hospital, doctors told him he might never walk again after losing sensation below his left knee. His girlfriend, who also survived, stayed by his side through months of surgeries and rehabilitation.
“I really didn’t know what to take from everything,” Dorzon shared. “I thought coming back home to build something in my hometown, being a hometown hero — something like that could never happen to me.”
Despite the grim prognosis, Dorzon spent two months in the hospital and underwent multiple procedures before proving doctors wrong. Through determination and intensive therapy, he regained the ability to walk, though he still has no feeling in one finger after reconstructive surgery.
Support from the Food Network Community
Throughout his recovery, Dorzon found strength in the encouragement of family, friends, and fellow chefs — most notably Guy Fieri, who stayed in touch and checked in regularly.
“Even after the shooting, he was constantly on the phone with me,” Dorzon said. “He made sure the medical team was taking care of me and even offered to send food for everyone. He’s been there every step of the way.”
In February, the two reunited in a viral Instagram video showing Dorzon walking toward Fieri with a cane — a symbol of how far he’d come.
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A New Perspective on Life and Food
The shooting also strengthened Dorzon’s relationship with his two daughters, Riley (19) and Torienne (11). “It took something tragic to bring us closer,” he said. “Ever since that happened, my family has been like glue.”
Now, as he returns to the kitchen and television, Dorzon says the experience has changed not only how he moves but how he cooks. Slower, more deliberate, and deeply grateful, he’s learned to savor every moment behind the stove.
“I’m just super grateful to be here, to still be able to cook and give people an experience,” he said. “That has always been my dream — to create something memorable for others.”
What are your thoughts on Tobias Dorzon’s incredible recovery and comeback? Share your opinions in the comments on race-day-live.com.
