Reports of a man attempting to kill a rooster at Library Park on Center Street Saturday afternoon drew the attention of Manteca Police officers who were focused on stopping the abuse.

Witnesses said a man was attempting to pull the bird apart as they shouted at him to stop.  They said he stuffed the bird in a yellow bag and rode off on the bike path on a yellow bike.

Police were nearby and searched for the suspect, but they were unable to locate him.  A later call to the dispatcher center said he was seen riding down the alley in the 300 block of West Yosemite Avenue.

There have been reports of chicken cages in residential back yards disappearing along with the birds.