TOLLAND, Conn. (WFSB/Gray News) - One hundred people were arrested Saturday following what town officials described as a large-scale cockfighting operation in Tolland.

State police confirmed that they made 100 in-custody arrests, seized about $90,000, and located 273 birds on a property on Mountain Spring Road.

Troopers said that all of the birds had to be euthanized due to their deteriorated conditions.

Tolland Town Manager Brian Foley said the cockfighting had been taking place at a dormant quarry, which had been inactive for more than a decade.

The investigation closed Mountain Spring Road between Tolland Stage Road and Elizabeth Lane for several hours on Saturday.

The owners of a home, identified as Elvin and Lisa Miranda, were among those arrested, troopers said.

They were charged with professional gambling, operating a gambling premise, risk of injury to a minor, and cruelty to animals. Both were released after posting a $250,000 bond.

“In my wildest dreams, I never would’ve thought that it was a cockfighting ring thing. That was crazy when we heard that. That was insane,” said Pam Downs of Tolland.

The operation played out right in front of Downs’ eyes with a state police helicopter overhead, drones, dogs, and SWAT teams.

“They came around the corner with weapons drawn, guns drawn. So, it was pretty scary,” said Downs.

She and other neighbors reportedly saw police chase down and tackle suspects on their own front lawns.

Beyond the chaos was meticulous organization. Investigators came prepared and arrested most people on site.

“Probably seeing the largest state police operation we’ve seen here, ever,” Foley added.

He said most of the people who were arrested were likely spectators, but that’s enough to get charged with animal cruelty.

A full list of the arrests can be found below:

“It’s baffling to me what we’re doing with animals nowadays,” said Rob Gochee of Tolland.

While many were in shock, Foley said he’s seen these fights before. As a former Hartford police detective, he said many of these cockfighting groups are moving out of cities and into quieter suburbs like Tolland.

“They’d be in basements. They’d be in abandoned garages. But they attracted a lot of attention. So, this is an effort over the last 10 years or so, you’ve seen these operations move out into the suburbs across the country,” he said.

Troopers were assisted by CSP ESU Tactical and MSP Tactical Team, Trooper 1, Air 1, and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

“As far as the nature of the investigation, it’s random and surprising to say the least,” Foley said.

Authorities did not release any other details.

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