26 arrested, dozens of birds rescued following cockfighting bust in Hesperia

Deputies arrested 26 people Sunday morning as part of an illegal cockfighting investigation at a commercial property in Hesperia, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

Authorities also found dozens of live and dead birds and recovered five firearms and $28,000 in cash, officials said.

The investigation began when deputies from the Hesperia station responded to reports of an unspecified disturbance on the 17100 block of Darwin Avenue. When deputies arrived, multiple people ran from the building, leaving behind an active cockfight in progress.

With support from the deputies at the nearby Victorville station, as well as with an aerial assist from a sheriff’s helicopter, deputies were able to detain 26 people for their alleged roles in the operation.

A search warrant later led to the recovery of 56 live roosters kept in individual cages, 24 dead birds, a fighting ring, scorecards, metal gaffs used as weapons, catering supplies and other evidence that officials say points toward organized animal fighting. Thousands in cash was also recovered at the scene both inside the building and in parked vehicles.

Although cockfighting is legal in some countries, it is banned in the United States, and the Sheriff’s Department says it “takes these investigations very seriously and will investigate them to the fullest and suspects will be arrested.”

The 26 suspects all range in age from 21 to 67, and come from cities in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. Officials said they were booked into the High Desert Detention Center in Adelanto to await felony charges. For a complete list of those arrested, click here.

Authorities urged anyone with further information to contact the Lucerne Valley Sheriff’s Substation at 760-248-7328. Anonymous tips can be provided online or by calling 1-800-782-7463.

Animal control officers assisted with the surviving birds, officials added.