Outlook cop shooter's relatives now wanted

YAKIMA, Wash. -- Two relatives of an Outlook teenager accused of shooting at Yakima County sheriff's deputies face cockfighting charges.

Authorities say the pair's roosters and fighting gear were discovered when state gambling investigators searched the teenager's home after the July shooting, which wounded Deputy Bobby Miranda and missed Deputy Chris Stearley.

The felony animal-fighting charge was filed last week in Yakima County Superior Court against Jerry Almaguer, 46, and his brother, Sylvester Almaguer, 56.

Jerry Almaguer is the father of Jacob Almaguer, the 16-year-old accused of shooting at the deputies. Investigators said witnesses reported that Jacob Almaguer made statements about wanting to gain gang status "by flaming these two pigs."

His parents have said he was at their Outlook home when the shooting happened. He awaits trial on two counts of attempted murder.

Warrants for the two men's arrest remained active as of Tuesday, according to the Yakima County Sheriff's Office.

The state Gambling Commission often handles cockfighting investigations.

According to a commission special agent's report, the August search found 10 roosters in a pen on the property. Three of them had modifications common to fighting birds, including removal of their combs and wattles, the special agent wrote. If not trimmed, heavy bleeding from those areas can lead to death during a fight. The birds' spurs were also removed, another change to more easily attach blades for fights.

The three modified birds were euthanized on scene, gambling authorities said earlier.

The search also uncovered a bag with spur blades and other fighting gear, according to the report.

After his son's arrest, Jerry Almaguer told the Yakima Herald-Republic that his son raised the roosters for cockfighting.

Investigators received information that all three were involved, according to the special agent's report.

Prosecuting Attorney Jim Hagarty said his office had considered charging Jacob Almaguer in connection with the cockfighting, but chose for now to focus on the shooting case.

Both deputies returned to duty soon after the incident.

http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2009/12/29/shooting-suspect-s-relatives-sought-on-felony-charges