Arizona Man Charged After Firing at Border Patrol Helicopter

Patrick Schlegel faces multiple federal charges including assault on a federal officer

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:55pm

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An Arizona man, Patrick Gary Schlegel, has been charged with several federal offenses after he allegedly fired upon a U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter during a law enforcement pursuit near Arivaca, Arizona. Schlegel was wanted on a federal escape warrant and has a history of multiple felonies including alien smuggling.

Why it matters

Attacks on law enforcement, including federal agents, are considered serious crimes that undermine the rule of law. This incident highlights the risks and challenges faced by border patrol and other federal officers in carrying out their duties to maintain public safety and security.

The details

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, while supporting a human trafficking pursuit near Arivaca, the CBP helicopter came under fire from Schlegel. A Border Patrol agent on the ground returned fire, injuring Schlegel, who was then apprehended and transported to a local hospital. Schlegel is facing charges that include assault on a federal officer, prohibited possession of a firearm, and transportation of an illegal alien.

  • The incident occurred on January 28, 2026 near Arivaca, Arizona.

The players

Patrick Gary Schlegel

A 34-year-old man from Sahuarita, Arizona who was wanted on a federal escape warrant and has a history of multiple felonies including alien smuggling.

Timothy Courchaine

The U.S. Attorney who emphasized the gravity of the offense and the efforts by local and federal law enforcement.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

The federal agency whose helicopter was fired upon during the incident.

Pima County Sheriff's Department

The local law enforcement agency that assisted the FBI's Tucson office in the investigation.

FBI's Tucson office

The federal law enforcement agency that took the lead in the investigation.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Timothy Courchaine, U.S. Attorney (U.S. Attorney's Office)

What’s next

The FBI's Tucson office continues to investigate the incident for any additional federal law violations.

The takeaway

This case highlights the risks and challenges faced by border patrol and other federal officers in maintaining public safety and security, and underscores the gravity of attacks on law enforcement, which are considered serious crimes that undermine the rule of law.