Arizona Man Who Shot at Border Patrol Agents Charged with Assault on a Federal Officer, U.S. Attorney’s Office Seeks Full Accountability

PHOENIX, Ariz. – An Arizona man has been charged with Assault on a Federal Officer after he shot at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter that was assisting in his apprehension.

“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,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “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.”

According to the criminal complaint, filed in federal District Court on Jan. 27, U.S. Border Patrol agents were involved in a reactive human trafficking pursuit in rural southern Arizona, near Arivaca, when the suspect allegedly opened fire on the helicopter, manned by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent.

A Border Patrol agent on the ground then engaged and shot at the suspect, Patrick Gary Schlegel, 34, of Sahuarita. He was taken into custody, treated for his wounds and transported to a local hospital.

Through the cooperative efforts of federal and local law enforcement, it was determined that Schlegel was also wanted on a federal warrant for escape from custody, was convicted of multiple felonies—including alien smuggling—and has an order of protection against him in Pima county.

The complaint alleges violations of 18 USC 111 (Assault on a Federal Officer), 18 USC 922(g) (Prohibited Possession of a Firearm), and 8 USC 1324 (Transportation of an Illegal Alien).  The United States Attorney’s Office is continuing to investigate further violations of federal law.

A criminal complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The FBI, Tucson office, is investigating the incident with assistance from Pima County Sheriff’s Department and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

CASE NUMBER:            26-01491MJ

RELEASE NUMBER:    2026-010_ Schlegel

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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/

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