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In a crackdown on illegal animal fighting, 26 individuals were taken into custody after a raid at a Hesperia location that unearthed both a grisly scene of animal cruelty and a range of related illicit activities. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department, the incident took place on Darwin Avenue, where deputies responded to reports of an unknown problem involving multiple people. Upon their arrival, police discovered participants of an illegal cockfight attempting to disperse. With assistance from Sheriff’s Aviation and Victorville City Station deputies, the suspects were swiftly detained. Investigations led authorities to promptly write and execute a search warrant on the premises and vehicles, only to discover implements of the barbaric sport. In their sweep, investigators seized a cockfighting ring, scores of roosters both alive and dead, fighting paraphernalia, money, and firearms. As reported by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department, "A search warrant was written for the business and vehicles on the property. During the search, investigators located a cock fighting ring, 56 live roosters housed individually, 24 deceased roosters, score cards, gaffs, five firearms and food catering." Fees and fines for such crimes can be substantial, and in some cases may include jail time. The suspects, whose ages range from 21 to 67, were charged with felony counts and booked at the High Desert Detention Center. During the operation, nearly $28,000 was collected as evidence, which underscores both the clandestine nature and the profitable stakes of this illegal activity. Anyone with relevant information regarding the incident has been encouraged to reach out to the Lucerne Valley Sheriff’s Sub-Station. The Sheriff’s Department also pointed those wishing to remain anonymous toward We-Tip, an independent crime reporting resource.
