During a game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Indianapolis Colts at SoFi Stadium, two trained hawks, Bubba and Alice, were stolen by an unknown suspect. The birds were held in a utility task vehicle (UTV) that was taken from the stadium grounds. The theft occurred at 2:22 p.m. when the UTV was taken from the lake area of the stadium. The key to the UTV was left in the ignition, which may have contributed to the ease of the theft.
One of the hawks, Bubba, was recovered by a homeowner in Hacienda Heights about 25 miles from the theft site. The hawks’ handler, Charles Cogger, was contacted by law enforcement after Bubba was found, expressing hope that Alice will also be located. Cogger told the station, “I made arrangements, got over there as quick as I could and got Bubba back. Alice is still out there, but this gives me hope she will show up.” It was not immediately clear if an arrest in the case had been made.
The two birds were hired by SoFi Stadium to deter other birds from the area during games and events. However, the theft of the UTV and the hawks has raised concerns about the security measures in place at the stadium. The incident highlights the importance of safeguarding both the birds and the vehicles used to transport them. Law enforcement is working to locate the missing hawk and determine the motive behind the theft.