An Arizona man has been charged with assaulting a federal officer after allegedly firing at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter during an attempted apprehension in rural southern Arizona.
U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine commented on the incident, stating, "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." He also highlighted the collaborative response by local and federal agencies: "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 a criminal complaint filed on January 27 in federal District Court, U.S. Border Patrol agents were engaged in a human trafficking pursuit near Arivaca when the suspect allegedly shot at the helicopter operated by a Customs and Border Protection agent. A Border Patrol agent on the ground returned fire at the suspect, identified as Patrick Gary Schlegel, 34, of Sahuarita. Schlegel was taken into custody, received medical treatment for his injuries, and was transported to a hospital.
Authorities determined through joint efforts that Schlegel had an outstanding federal warrant for escape from custody. He also has prior felony convictions related to alien smuggling and is subject to an order of protection in Pima County.
Schlegel faces charges including assault on a federal officer (18 USC 111), prohibited possession of a firearm (18 USC 922(g)), and transportation of an illegal alien (8 USC 1324). The U.S. Attorney’s Office is continuing its investigation into additional potential violations.
Officials emphasized that a criminal complaint does not imply guilt; all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
The FBI’s Tucson office is leading the investigation with support from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
More information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona can be found at http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/.
