An Arizona resident has been charged with assault on a federal officer after allegedly firing at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter during an attempted apprehension in rural southern Arizona near Arivaca.
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,” said Courchaine. “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 in federal District Court on January 27, U.S. Border Patrol agents were engaged in a human trafficking pursuit when the suspect reportedly opened fire on a helicopter operated by a border protection agent.
A Border Patrol agent on the ground responded by shooting at the suspect, identified as Patrick Gary Schlegel, 34, of Sahuarita. Schlegel was taken into custody after being treated for his injuries and transported to a hospital.
Authorities later determined that Schlegel was wanted on a federal warrant for escape from custody. He had previous felony convictions related to alien smuggling and was under an order of protection in Pima County.
The complaint lists alleged violations 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 continues to investigate additional potential violations.
Officials noted that criminal complaints are formal accusations and do not imply guilt; all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
The FBI’s Tucson office is leading the investigation with assistance from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
For further details about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, information can be found at http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/.
