Arizona Man Involved in Human Smuggling Shot by Border Patrol
Authorities reported that a 34-year-old Arizona man, associated with a human smuggling ring, was shot during a gunfight with U.S. Border Patrol agents. The incident occurred after the man fired at a federal helicopter near the U.S.-Mexico border.
The confrontation began when federal agents attempted a traffic stop near Arivaca, Arizona, on the suspect, identified as Patrick Gary Schlegel. He fled the scene, shooting at a Border Patrol helicopter and the agents. The agents retaliated, injuring Schlegel, according to Heith Janke, FBI special agent in Phoenix.
Following the incident, Schlegel was taken to a hospital for surgery and was in recovery by Tuesday evening. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated at a news conference that the Border Patrol agent appeared to have acted legally, although the investigation is still underway. “There may be other things that show up,” Nanos added.
The pursuit initially began when agents attempted to stop Schlegel’s vehicle, which then fled. Later, the vehicle was spotted again, leading to another pursuit where Schlegel escaped on foot.
Schlegel is currently in federal custody and faces charges of assault on a federal officer, human smuggling, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to Janke. “Let me be clear, any assault on law enforcement officers will not be tolerated,” he asserted.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has indicated that more information will be provided when available.
Schlegel’s legal history includes a December warrant related to an escape from incarceration for previous human smuggling and firearms offenses. He had been granted temporary leave from an institution for a counseling session but failed to return.
In 2023, Schlegel faced charges for transporting individuals illegally in Arizona, where he allegedly concealed over a dozen people under a tarp in a truck. After a pursuit, he fled and reportedly attacked a government helicopter with rocks before his apprehension. Authorities discovered two pistols in the truck.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has been asked by the FBI to lead the investigation into the use of force by the Border Patrol, a standard procedure when federal agencies are involved in shootings within the county. The department highlighted that its participation results from “long standing relationships” aimed at ensuring transparency in the border region.
Arivaca, located approximately 10 miles from the border, is often patrolled by agents due to its status as a frequent route for smugglers and migrants crossing illegally.
There have been eight incidents involving Border Patrol agents using firearms in the past year, with 14 occurring the previous year and 13 the year before that. This shooting is one of three involving immigration officers this month, including two fatal encounters during a Homeland Security operation in Minnesota.
Unlike the Minnesota shootings, which were widely documented by residents, the Arizona incident happened in a remote desert area with limited video evidence.
