It was a scene reminiscent of an old time western movie. Police from throughout the County and State rounded up 76 individuals involved in “cock fighting”. The arrests were made on Saturday morning at 0480 North 100 West in Starke County.
Law enforcement officers were responding to an anonymous tip.
“The Sheriff’s Department received an anonymous tip of animal fighting contests out at a residence on 100 West,” stated Starke County Chief Deputy, Bill Dulin. “Along with the Sheriff’s Department, we responded with the Indiana Conservation Units, State Police, Knox City Police, and North Judson units. When we got there, we noticed 10 or 15 vehicles and when we approached, 50 to 60 people took off running toward a river in an open field.”
After rounding up the individuals fleeing on foot, the officers turned their attention to the “cock fighting” rings.
“Once we gathered everyone, we saw cock fighting paraphernalia which includes spurs, a cock fighting ring, a chart where they ledged the cock fighting contest, and there were other items that were discovered out there including the dead animals,” said Dulin.
Those arrested were of Hispanic origin from outside the community.
“There was an individual that drove there from Wisconsin, several from Chicago, Lafayette, and Michigan. There were no local residents that were involved in this.”
Officers found suspects hiding along ditches and in hollowed out trees. One juvenile was found without shoes. He was transported to Indiana University Health-Starke Hospital where he was treated for frostbite. Dulin said they made sure no children were left behind.
“Once we noticed that children were involved, the officers did a very good job of going around the area making sure that we didn’t leave any children behind.”
On the premises was 145 fighting cocks that were transported to the Starke County Humane Society to be euthanized. Dulin told how the prisoners were transported.
“We contacted the school and had a bus brought out and they transported them for us.”
Officers obtained and served a search warrant seizing 13 firearms, 29 vehicles, drug paraphernalia, and cock fighting paraphernalia. Those arrested and charged with felonies were booked into the Starke County Jail. Those with misdemeanor charges were released on their own recognizance bonds. Approximately $45,000 has been confiscated and all but 12 have been released from the jail. The investigation is continuing with additional charges pending.
These 12 individuals are currently being held in the Starke County on Felony charges of Promoting an Animal Fighting Contest:
