A Tucson man who fired shots at a Border Patrol helicopter in January has been indicted on suspicion of attempted murder and other federal charges, prosecutors say.
Patrick Gary Schlegel, 34, fired at the helicopter during a Jan. 27 shootout in Arivaca, south of Tucson. The incident started the day before when Schlegel fled from Border Patrol agents while transporting two migrants, the US Attorney's Office in Tucson said in a news release.
The following day, Border Patrol agents found Schlegel’s Dodge Ram in a remote desert area, but he fled on foot. Schlegel then fired shots from a .45 caliber handgun at an agency helicopter before he was shot in the leg and head by an agent, the release said.
Schlegel, a convicted human smuggler, was then arrested and provided medical care.
A federal grand jury in Tucson last week returned a five-count indictment against Schlegel that includes charges of attempted murder of a federal officer, assault on a federal officer, transporting migrants for profit and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
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No federal agents were injured.
