A high-stakes confrontation near the US-Mexico border has left a suspected human smuggler injured after he reportedly fired at a federal helicopter. The FBI identified the suspect as 34-year-old Patrick Gary Schlegel, an Arizona resident with a significant criminal history of human trafficking and firearm offenses.
The incident unfolded on Tuesday morning near Arivaka when Schlegel attempted to flee during a traffic stop. According to FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha, the suspect opened fire on Border Patrol agents and a helicopter assisting in the operation. Agents returned fire, striking Schlegel, who is currently in stable condition following surgery.
Authorities revealed that Schlegel was a fugitive who failed to return to custody in December 2025. He now faces multiple federal charges, including assault on a federal officer and human trafficking. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that a routine “use-of-force” investigation is underway to ensure all protocols were followed during the engagement.