PIMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KVOA) – A suspect was shot after they reportedly shot at a U.S. Border Patrol agent following a traffic stop on Tuesday morning. According to the Santa Rita Fire District (SRFD), the incident occurred near milepost 15 on Arivaca Road.

Emergency responders from SRFD and American Medical Response arrived at the scene around 7:30 a.m. on Jan. 27. Officials confirmed the shooting involved a U.S. Border Patrol agent. 

They found one individual in custody and in critical condition.

According to the Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, the incident started after agents recognized a vehicle who belonged to a man they believe is a human trafficking suspect from an earlier incident.

Agents made a traffic stop and the suspect, who was the only occupant in the vehicle, fled on foot, Nanos said. The suspect has been identified as 34-year-old Patrick Gary Schlegel, a U.S. citizen from Sahuarita, Arizona. 

The agent followed the suspect on foot. The suspect reportedly shot at the agent, before the agent returned fire. 

Immediate medical care was provided before the patient was transferred to a local medical helicopter for rapid transport to a regional trauma center.

Nanos said the suspect is in serious but stable condition.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are assisting in the investigation. 

PCSD is conducting a parallel investigation and is leading the use-of-force investigation involving the agent, officials said. 

“Such requests are standard practice when a federal agency is involved in a shooting incident within Pima County and consistent with long standing relationships built through time to promote transparency,” PCSD said. 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a statement regarding the incident, saying: 

“On Jan. 27, at 7:20 AM local time, U.S. Border Patrol agents attempted to stop a pickup truck near, Arivaca, Ariz. The driver failed to yield to agents and fled on foot. The individual fired at an Air and Marine Operations helicopter and fired at USBP agents. Agents returned fire striking the driver. The driver was treated at the scene and transported to a local hospital. The incident is currently under investigation by the CBP Office of Professional Responsibility, FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department. More information will be provided when available.”

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