Five people were taken into custody Sunday night after deputies uncovered evidence of an illegal cockfighting operation, according to Sheriff Salazar.
ATASCOSA, Texas — Several people were arrested Sunday night in connection with a cockfighting investigation on the southwest side of Bexar County, according to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Javier Salazar said deputies were alerted Sunday morning by a non-governmental organization focused on animal cruelty cases. Investigators set up surveillance at a property in the 13700 block of Pearsall Road and confirmed a cockfighting operation with help from the San Antonio Police Department’s EAGLE Unit.
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Deputies executed a search warrant at the residence, taking multiple people into custody, including the homeowner. Three suspects allegedly tried to flee into nearby woods but were captured with assistance from a helicopter. Authorities also stopped a truck leaving the property that was reportedly carrying roosters.
Sheriff Salazar said investigators believe a fight took place Sunday based on evidence found at the scene, including dead and injured roosters, a fighting ring, and blood. Surviving animals were taken into custody by Animal Control.
Those arrested and charged include Marcial Briceno Diaz, 74, charged with Cockfighting: Causes or Earns, a state jail felony, and Evading Arrest or Detention on Foot, a Class A misdemeanor. Isidro Jeronimo Torres Reyes, 27, faces the same charges. Reynaldo Torres Reyes, 35, also faces Cockfighting: Causes or Earns and Evading Arrest or Detention on Foot. Hugo Adrian Martinez, 48, was charged with Cockfighting: Causes or Earns and Evading Arrest or Detention on Foot. Edgar Martinez Arredondo, 25, was charged with Cockfighting: Space/Owns/Trains/Equips, a state jail felony.
The investigation remains ongoing.