The arid landscape near Arivaca, Arizona, erupted in gunfire Tuesday morning as a suspected human smuggler opened fire on a law enforcement helicopter. The dramatic confrontation unfolded just miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, initiating a tense pursuit that ultimately left the suspect wounded.
The incident began earlier that day when agents encountered a vehicle linked to a possible human trafficking operation. Passengers scattered when the vehicle was initially stopped, leaving authorities to search for the individuals involved. Hours later, the same vehicle was spotted again, triggering a second attempt to intercept it.
This time, the driver, identified as 34-year-old Patrick Gary Schlegel, a U.S. citizen from Arizona, fled on foot. The pursuit quickly escalated when Schlegel allegedly discharged a weapon, targeting both a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter and the pursuing agents.
Agents returned fire, striking Schlegel and bringing the chase to an abrupt halt. Despite the severity of his injuries, Schlegel received immediate medical attention and was transported to a hospital where he underwent surgery. Authorities report he is expected to recover.
Schlegel’s past is marked by a “significant criminal history,” including an outstanding federal arrest warrant issued in 2025 by the U.S. Marshals Service. The warrant stems from a previous conviction related to alien smuggling and a subsequent escape from custody.
Federal charges are anticipated, including assault on a federal officer, continued involvement in alien smuggling, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities meticulously examining the details of the shooting.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is conducting a parallel investigation, focusing specifically on the use of force by the CBP agents involved. This collaborative approach is standard procedure when federal agencies are involved in shooting incidents within the county, emphasizing transparency and accountability.
This shooting marks the second incident involving Border Patrol personnel in recent days, following a fatal shooting in Minnesota and another in Minneapolis weeks prior. Both previous incidents sparked protests and confrontations, highlighting the growing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement.
While the Pima County Sheriff’s Department does not enforce immigration laws, the frequency of incidents involving Border Patrol agents discharging firearms has been steadily increasing. Data indicates eight such incidents occurred in the 12 months leading up to September 2025, a rise from 14 and 13 incidents in the preceding years.
The events near Arivaca underscore the volatile situation along the southern border and the inherent risks faced by law enforcement personnel tasked with securing it. The investigation continues, seeking to fully understand the circumstances that led to this dangerous confrontation.
