Full Breakdown
Search for Stolen Hawks from SoFi Stadium Intensifies
10/1/2025, 4:59:55 AM
Incident Overview: Theft of Trained Hawks
On September 28, 2025, two trained Harris's hawks named Alice and Bubba were stolen from outside SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, during a Los Angeles Rams game. The theft occurred around 2:22 p.m. when an unidentified male suspect, described as a Black adult wearing a black jacket with a white stripe, black pants, and black shoes, drove off in a maroon Kawasaki Mule utility vehicle (UTV) that had the key left in the ignition. The hawks were housed in green containers affixed to the UTV, which was used by falconer Charles Cogger to deter other birds from the stadium area.
Discovery of Stolen Vehicle and Dead Quails
The stolen UTV was located on September 30, 2025, in a South Los Angeles neighborhood, but Alice and Bubba remained missing. Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts confirmed that two dead quails, which were used to feed the hawks, were found nearby. The quails appeared to have been stabbed, prompting an animal cruelty investigation. Cogger expressed concern for the welfare of his hawks, stating that they needed to be returned by Thursday to avoid severe health issues due to lack of food and water.
Falconer's Plea for Assistance
Charles Cogger, the owner of the hawks, has been vocal about his distress since the theft. He noted, “I’ve really been struggling for the last 24 hours. A lot of tears,” emphasizing the urgency of locating Alice and Bubba. He still has his third hawk, Hope, but the absence of the two trained birds has been challenging. Cogger has urged the public to report any sightings of the hawks or their containers to the Inglewood Police Department.
Official Statements and Community Response
Inglewood Police are actively investigating the theft and have released a description of the suspect. They are appealing to the public for information, offering a reward of $1,000 for any leads that could help recover the hawks. Mayor Butts stated, “The best thing to do is to... make sure that your equipment is secured, and I don't think you'll see this happen again.” The police have also indicated that there are no tracking devices on the hawks, complicating the search efforts.
Criticism and Concerns
The incident has raised concerns about security measures at SoFi Stadium, particularly regarding the safeguarding of animals used for operational purposes. Critics have pointed out that leaving the key in the ignition of the UTV was a lapse in security protocol. The situation has highlighted the need for improved measures to protect both the animals and the equipment used during events.
What's Next: Ongoing Search Efforts
The search for Alice and Bubba continues, with authorities urging anyone with information to contact the Inglewood Police Department at 310-412-5206. The community remains hopeful for the safe return of the hawks, as their health and well-being are at risk with each passing day without proper care.
