One person in serious but stable condition after Border Patrol shooting

PIMA COUNTY, Ariz. (NBC, KYMA) - A Border Patrol agent shot and injured a man who fled from a traffic stop in Arizona Tuesday.

This all started before 7:00 a.m. when agents attempted to stop a vehicle carrying multiple people inside and all of the occupants fled.

Later, an agent spotted the car again and attempted another stop. The driver fled and a foot chase ensued.

Officials say the person then fired at the agent, who returned fire, injuring the man.

"In this case, we believe our agent in the USBP, that agent acted lawfully. That's our belief, based on what we know today. Right at this moment. The investigation is still ongoing. There may be other things that show up," said Sheriff Chris Nanos with the Pima County Sheriff's Department.

The agent was not injured but the suspect, identified as 34-year-old Patrick Gary Schlegel, was taken to a hospital.

He was last reported to be in serious but stable condition.

"I understand, clearly, understand the sensitivity of these types of events in today's world and climate. I too, get upset, just like our citizens, when you see something that you think is just really, wow, that couldn't happen. That's my profession, and we don't do that. This is how...I understand all that thinking. All I can tell you is from the Pima County Sheriff's Department and this community, we take all of these matters very seriously."

Sheriff Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff's Department

Officials say Schlegel has a "previous alien smuggling conviction" and last year, the U.S. Marshals Service issued a federal arrest warrant for his escape in relation to that conviction.

Schlegel is expected to be charged by criminal complaint on three federal counts: Assault on a federal officer, alien smuggling and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.