Law enforcement officials have confirmed that the man shot by federal agents during a suspected human smuggling incident in southern Arizona on Tuesday is a repeat offender with a lengthy criminal history tied to illegal immigration operations. Records indicate the suspect, identified as 34-year-old Patrick Gary Schlegel, has previously been convicted for similar crimes involving the smuggling of undocumented immigrants across the U.S.–Mexico border.
According to authorities, Schlegel first drew attention from law enforcement early Tuesday morning, around 7:30 a.m., near the small town of Arivaca, Arizona, an area located just miles from the southern border. Officials stated that he was believed to be connected to a potential human trafficking incident. When officers attempted to approach the vehicle associated with the case, everyone inside reportedly fled on foot, prompting a broader search effort.
Several hours later, U.S. Border Patrol agents located the suspect vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Instead of complying, Schlegel allegedly ran from the scene, leading to a foot pursuit. During the chase, authorities say Schlegel opened fire, shooting at individual agents as well as a U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter assisting in the operation. Federal agents returned fire, striking the suspect.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Schlegel was transported to a hospital following the shooting. He underwent surgery and is expected to survive. Officials noted that the use of force occurred after agents were fired upon, emphasizing that the response was necessary to protect law enforcement personnel.
Schlegel is now expected to face multiple federal charges, including assault on a federal officer, alien smuggling, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. FBI Phoenix Division Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke stated that the suspect has a “significant criminal history,” including an active federal arrest warrant issued in 2025 by the U.S. Marshals Service. That warrant stemmed from an escape related to a prior federal alien smuggling conviction.
Court documents show that Schlegel was previously convicted following a May 2023 incident in which he attempted to smuggle 16 undocumented immigrants into the United States. Prosecutors said he transported the individuals in the bed of a pickup truck, covering them with a tarp. Witness testimony revealed that migrants paid between $12,000 and $14,000 each, totaling more than $40,000 for the smuggling operation. Schlegel was sentenced to three years in prison in January 2024 and later found guilty of weapons-related offenses.
During a press conference, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that multiple shots were fired in Tuesday’s incident and stressed that any violence against law enforcement officers would not be tolerated. The investigation remains ongoing as federal and local agencies continue reviewing the case and preparing formal charges.
