Suspected human smuggler shot after firing at Border Patrol near Arizona–Mexico border
A suspected human smuggler was shot and wounded after opening fire on U.S. Border Patrol agents during a pursuit near the Arizona-Mexico border, according to officials.
The incident occurred earlier Tuesday in a rural area south of Tucson, near the town of Arivaca. Border Patrol agents attempted to stop a vehicle linked to a human smuggling investigation when the sole occupant fled on foot, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said during a briefing.
According to Nanos, an agent pursued the suspect on foot. During the chase, the suspect fired a weapon, and the agent returned fire, striking him. The agent was not injured.
The FBI said the encounter unfolded during an active alien smuggling investigation. The suspect also shot at a manned Customs and Border Protection helicopter during the incident.
Authorities said agents provided medical aid at the scene before he was transported to a hospital, where he underwent surgery and is recovering. His condition was described as serious but stable.
The suspect was identified as Patrick Gary Schlegel, 34, an Arizona resident who is now in federal custody. The FBI said Schlegel has a significant criminal history, including an active federal arrest warrant issued in 2025 by the U.S. Marshals Service related to an escape following a previous federal alien smuggling conviction.
Schlegel is expected to face federal charges in the District of Arizona, including assault on a federal officer, alien smuggling, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The post Suspected human smuggler shot after firing at Border Patrol near Arizona–Mexico border appeared first on BNO News.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
