42 cited, released at cockfight bust near Soledad

A tip led Monterey County sheriff's deputies to a cockfight in Soledad that resulted in 42 arrests and euthanization of several roosters.

Authorities said officers received a citizen's tip at 6:43 p.m. Saturday that a cockfight was under way at 34509 Metz Road, Soledad.

Sheriff's deputies enlisted the assistance of California Highway Patrol and SPCA officers. When they arrived at the scene, several people in attendance at the cockfight attempted to flee. Many suspects were rounded up with help from the CHP helicopter and a sheriff's K-9 unit. In all, 42 suspects were detained, identified, and released. They were cited for being spectators at an exhibition of animal fighting.

Gonzalo Manriquez, 59, the property owner, was cited for suspicion of permitting cockfighting on premises under his control. He and the other 41 cited individuals were released.

The suspects' information will be forwarded to the District Attorney's Office for prosecution.

The SPCA conducted health and welfare checks on the fighting cocks and determined 45 of them required to be euthanize because of injuries from the event.