Suspects allegedly used spotlights in fields frequented by wild pigs

– Three suspects were arrested and released with citations after officers allegedly saw them shining spotlights into fields where wild pigs are commonly found and later found them with night vision equipment, spotlights, and weapons while attempting to take wildlife at night in San Luis Obispo County, according to a post made by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Authorities cited the suspects for several alleged hunting violations, including spotlighting, hunting after hours, hunting without licenses, and possessing night vision equipment while hunting.

Wildlife officers conducted coordinated nighttime patrols with Cal Fire Law Enforcement and the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department after receiving multiple reports of nighttime poaching activity throughout the county.

The wildlife department also deployed an aircraft equipped with nighttime cameras and other technology to help locate suspected illegal activity.

During a recent operation, officers saw the suspects shining bright spotlights into fields where wild pigs are commonly found, according to the department. State law prohibits using spotlights to locate and kill wildlife at night.

Sheriff’s deputies and wildlife officers coordinated their response while the aircraft maintained overhead surveillance and recorded the activity. As officers approached, the aircraft recorded one suspect throwing a rifle from an embankment, according to the department.

Cal Fire Law Enforcement later recovered the discarded .25-caliber air rifle.