Tucson man charged in Border Patrol shooting

TUCSON, Ariz. (KYMA) - A Tucson man is facing federal charges after allegedly shooting at a Border Patrol helicopter earlier this year.

34-year-old Patrick Gary Schlegel was indicted on charges including attempted murder of a federal officer, assault on a federal officer, and transporting undocumented migrants for profit.

Agents first encountered Schlegel in January while he was allegedly transporting two migrants before he quickly fled into the desert.

The next day, agents located him again. During the search, authorities say Schlegel fired a handgun at a Border Patrol helicopter.

An agent on the ground returned fire, striking Schlegel. He was arrested and treated for his injuries.

If convicted, he faces decades in federal prison.