Hesperia Man Arrested for Possession of Fighting Roosters and Bird Fighting Equipment

Two Adelanto Men Arrested for Shooting in Busy Mall Parking Lot

Trona Mother Arrested for Murder After Death of Toddler and Critical Injury of Infant

HESPERIA – A 42-year-old Hesperia man was arrested after bird fighting equipment was seized from his property Wednesday. At around 6:56 a.m. deputies from the Victor Valley Sheriff’s Rural Crime Task Force served a search warrant on the home in the 10300 block of Fourth Avenue in the City of Hesperia.

When deputies, Hesperia Animal Control officers, and Code Enforcement officers arrived they located evidence consistent with bird fighting. At the location, authorities seized 83 fighting game roosters were seized along with implements, supplements, and bird fighting publications. “Evidence of game bird feed and fighting awards were also found on the property,” Victor Valley Sheriff’s spokeswoman Pam Hoffman said in a news release. “Several of the roosters had been prepared for fighting by having their combs and waddles cut off.”

Hector Lopez, the property owner was subsequently arrested in the City of Riverside and booked into the Central Detention Center for possession of birds fighting equipment and possession of fighting game fowl. Lopez was released on a citation on Thursday at around 2:35 a.m. and is expected to appear in court at a later date.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Deputy Rob Oakleaf or Deputy Randy Stanley at Lucerne Valley Sheriff’s Station at (760) 248-7655. Persons wishing to remain anonymous can report information to WeTip by calling 1-800-78-CRIME, or by accessing the website at www.wetip.com