Arizona border shootout suspect tied to human smuggling, sheriff's office says
ARIZONA (TNND) — The suspect involved in a shooting with Border Patrol near the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona on Tuesday remains in serious condition, according to the sheriff's office.
The Pima County Sheriff's Office said Patrick Gary Schlegal, 34, a U.S. citizen from Sahuarita, fled from law enforcement at around 7 a.m. after police attempted to stop a vehicle believed to be involved in human smuggling.
"The vehicle failed to yield, and a pursuit ensued," the sheriff's department said. "The driver later fled the vehicle, and agents initiated a foot pursuit."
Deputies reported that Schlegal fired at Border Patrol agents during the encounter, and agents shot back, striking the suspect.
The U.S. Marshals Service later confirmed that Schlegal was wanted in connection with a human smuggling investigation.
Deputies added that the FBI is assisting with the investigation.
The shooting comes a mere three days after Border Patrol officers in Minneapolis fatally shot Alex Pretti and a few weeks after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed Renee Nicole Good.
