News

Released: January 31, 2010 - Sunday, 04:33 PM

Cruelty to Animals - Cock Fighting - Mass Arrest

Contact: Rob BrynPhone: (805) 781-4547Date and time of incident: 1-31-10 10:00 AMPlace of Occurrence: 2109 Heidi Place, rural Arroyo GrandeVictim Information: State of CaliforniaSuspect Information: Raymond Pinon Gutierrez DOB: 10-12-57 of rural Arroyo GrandeSan Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Rural Crime Unit broke up a large cock fighting exhibition on Sunday in rural Arroyo Grande. The rural crime unit was working on a tip that a cock fight would occur at 2109 Heidi Pl. in unincorporated Arroyo Grande. When deputies arrived shortly after 10:00 AM they discovered approximately 300 people at the event who began to scatter over fences and into nearby eucalyptus groves.
Of the persons who fled, close to 50 people have been taken into custody, along with the suspected organizer of the event, Raymond Pinon Gutierrez. All persons will be booked into San Luis Obispo County jail on animal cruelty charges for attending the fight, with additional charges pending against Gutierrez.
Deputies were assisted by air and ground units from the California Highway Patrol, K-9 support from Guadalupe PD with ground units from Arroyo Grande PD and Calif State Parks.
Over 100 birds have been banded in place at the site with 50 fighting cocks seized. Deputies described the event as a "Four Bird Derby" which means participants would enter four birds in the competition. Several thousand dollars in cash was confiscated along with cash discarded by fleeing participants.
No stills are available from the scene as yet.
Booking photo of Gutierrez will be available in the morning via slomugs.