The Hockley County Sheriff released new details concerning the rooster fighting and gambling ring bust that took place on Friday night. They also had photos from the scene, including images of the arena where the birds were fought and the “slashers” that were attached to their legs.
The Sheriff said the operation took place at 11 p.m., but they had been planning the raid with other law enforcement agencies for around a week, after investigators received credible information about the ring in July 2017.
“It went as well as it could have, under the circumstances. We were walking into the unknown,” Sheriff Ray Scifres said.
In total, 45 people were detained, with 37 receiving citations and two men arrested on felony charges. Eulogio Guerrero, Jr. of Levelland and Kenny Grubbs of Portales, New Mexico have both made bond. The sheriff said people traveled from all over the South Plains and even as far as New Mexico to participate in the ring.
“There were very few people actually from Hockley County who were there. These people traveled from a ways off to attend these fights,” Sheriff Scifres said.
Over 100 birds were involved, with the sheriff confirming 5 deceased birds on scene. The roosters are still on the property, while law enforcement waits to obtain a warrant and for a hearing before going back to remove them. They also obtained two firearms from the scene, along with a very small amount of narcotics. Border Patrol assisted the raid, and five immigration detainers were issued.
Hockley County residents said they knew their neighbor kept roosters and were aware of the activities. Marla Bullock lives two doors down from the property, but said the owner was a “great neighbor.”
“They are very discreet, they don’t cause any trouble in the neighborhood,” Marla Bullock said. “You know not to go back there. We kind of turn a blind eye. We knew it was back there…I think the whole county knew it was back there.”
Bullock said they were never bothered by the activities, adding America Road is a very quiet street in a usually quiet neighborhood.
“I know that there are open rooster houses all around this county. His are back there, but I never see them,” Bullock said of the property owner, who she calls Junior. “He’s a good family man, and a good neighbor. He’s no threat to the neighborhood, and never has been.”
She said she was glad to hear the cockfighting would be gone, but she did not want to lose a good neighbor.
The investigation is still ongoing.
