Arizona man wounded after shootout with Border Patrol agents

Federal agents say a 34-year-old man fired at a Border Patrol helicopter and agents near Arivaca, Arizona; agents returned fire and the man was wounded and taken to hospital. The FBI asked the Pima County Sheriff's Department to lead a use-of-force investigation.

Federal authorities say an exchange of gunfire occurred near Arivaca, Arizona, when agents were attempting to apprehend a 34-year-old man who fired at a Border Patrol helicopter and at Border Patrol agents. Agents returned fire and struck the man; he was transported to a hospital and was reported to be recovering from surgery. The FBI has asked the Pima County Sheriff's Department to lead a use-of-force investigation and the suspect is expected to face federal charges. Known details: - The incident occurred near Arivaca, a community about 16 kilometres from the U.S.-Mexico border, an area authorities say is regularly patrolled. - Federal agents say the 34-year-old fired at a Border Patrol helicopter and at agents; agents returned fire and wounded the man. - The wounded person was taken to a regional trauma centre and was reported to be recovering from surgery. - The FBI identified the suspect as Patrick Gary Schlegel and said he is expected to face federal charges including assault on a federal officer, alien smuggling and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Summary: The shooting prompted the FBI to request a use-of-force investigation to be led by the Pima County Sheriff's Department. The investigation and any resulting federal charges are ongoing and further procedural steps were reported as pending.