Arizona man charged for allegedly shooting at Border Patrol agents

PHOENIX — An Arizona man was charged Wednesday for allegedly shooting at U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents, officials announced.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, 34-year-old Patrick Gary Schlegel faces the charge of assault on a federal officer.

The criminal complaint filed Tuesday alleges that Border Patrol agents were involved in a human trafficking pursuit in southern Arizona near the Pima County community of Arivaca when Schlegel opened fired at a helicopter being flown by an agent.

Prosecutors said another agent on the ground proceeded to shoot at Schlegel before he was taken into custody, treated for his wounds and then taken to a nearby hospital.

The Associated Press reported that prior to the shooting, federal agents had attempted to apprehend Schlegel during a traffic stop, which was when he reportedly fled and shot at the helicopter.

“There is no ambiguity here, shooting at any law enforcement officer — including federal agents — is a violent felony that attacks the rule of law and undermines universal American values. We will pursue every available charge to ensure the subject is held fully accountable under federal law,” U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine said in an announcement.

“The quick and coordinated reaction to the threat posed by this subject from all levels of Arizona law enforcement was key and demonstrates why local and federal cooperation keeps communities safer.”

The complaint alleged Schlegel also violated other federal laws, including prohibited possession of a firearm and transportation of an illegal alien. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said it is investigating any further violations.

Arizona man charged for alleged Border Patrol shooting wanted on warrant

Prosecutors said local and federal law enforcement determined that Schlegel was also wanted on a federal warrant for escape from custody.

According to The Associated Press, court records show that on Dec. 15, Schlegel signed out of an institution in Tucson where he had been incarcerated on a human smuggling and firearms conviction to go to a counseling session and never returned.

Schlegel also has an order of protection against him in Pima County, prosecutors said.

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