The man at the center of Tuesday’s shooting near the Arizona border wasn’t a stranger to the law. Patrick Gary Schlegel, 34, already carried the weight of a previous conviction for a strikingly similar crime – a $40,000 human smuggling operation that exposed a ruthless pattern of exploiting vulnerable individuals.
The latest incident unfolded early Tuesday morning near Arivaca, Arizona, a town etched close to the international boundary. Law enforcement quickly identified Schlegel as a potential suspect in a fresh human trafficking attempt, triggering a chaotic sequence of events as those within the vehicle scattered into the harsh desert landscape.
Hours later, when Border Patrol agents located the vehicle, Schlegel chose flight. The pursuit escalated dramatically as he allegedly opened fire – not just at the agents on the ground, but also at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter hovering overhead, turning a traffic stop into a dangerous confrontation.
Agents returned fire, striking Schlegel and bringing the chase to a halt. He was rushed to a hospital, where he underwent surgery and is currently expected to recover. The incident immediately sparked an investigation into the full scope of his activities and the potential danger he posed.
Federal charges are now looming, including assault on a federal officer, alien smuggling, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Authorities emphasize that Schlegel’s history is extensive, revealing a pattern of disregard for the law and a willingness to engage in criminal activity.
An active federal arrest warrant had been issued by the U.S. Marshals Service in 2025, stemming from an escape related to his prior alien smuggling conviction. This wasn’t a spontaneous act; it was a continuation of a calculated scheme he’d perfected before.
The 2023 case that landed Schlegel in prison involved a brazen attempt to transport sixteen people across the border. Border Patrol cameras captured the scene: Schlegel picking up the group, loading them into the bed of a pickup truck, and concealing them under a tarp – a chilling image of human cargo.
When confronted, Schlegel didn’t simply try to evade capture. He drove recklessly off-road through the desert, and reportedly hurled rocks at an Army National Guard helicopter assisting in the pursuit, demonstrating a volatile and aggressive nature.
The financial cost of Schlegel’s services was starkly revealed through witness testimony. One woman recounted arranging passage for $12,000, while others claimed to have paid $14,000 each, adding up to over $40,000 for the group – a grim testament to the desperation of those seeking a new life.
Despite a three-year prison sentence handed down in January 2024, Schlegel’s troubles with the law didn’t end there. Court records show a separate conviction for misconduct involving weapons, further illustrating a troubling disregard for legal boundaries.
Local officials have made it clear that such actions will not be tolerated. The sheriff of Pima County emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for abuse directed at law enforcement and citizens alike, signaling a firm stance against those who threaten the safety and security of the community.
The incident involved multiple shots fired, a detail that underscores the intensity of the confrontation and the potential for tragedy. The investigation continues, seeking to unravel the full extent of Schlegel’s network and bring all those involved to justice.
