CALIFORNIA CITY, CA – Authorities are searching for a 68-year-old Antelope Valley man wanted on an involuntary manslaughter warrant after a 12-year-old boy tragically drowned while trying to escape three attacking dogs.
Tragedy at the Park
The incident occurred around 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, at a local park lake in California City. According to the California City Police Department, a group of dogs turned aggressive, forcing 12-year-old Fernando Torres Moreno to flee into the water.
Responding officers pulled Fernando from the bottom of the lake and performed CPR. He was rushed to a hospital in Tehachapi Valley and later transferred to Children’s Hospital in Bakersfield, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries.
A young girl was also attacked during the incident but suffered only non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released from the hospital.
Suspect Flees Arrest Warrant
Investigators identified Kenneth Dobbins, 68, as the owner of the animals. While Dobbins initially claimed he was unaware of the tragedy, police later confirmed his three dogs were directly involved.
On June 23, when detectives attempted to serve an involuntary manslaughter arrest warrant, Dobbins had already fled.
- Suspect Description: Dobbins is described as a transient and a previously convicted felon with known ties to Palmdale.
- The Animals: One of the three dogs has been located and seized in Los Angeles County, but Dobbins and the remaining two dogs are still missing.
Community Mourning and Public Appeal
Family members have set up a GoFundMe page, remembering Fernando as a bright, loving boy who loved the outdoors. He leaves behind his parents and four siblings.
The California City Police Department is urging anyone with information on Kenneth Dobbins’ whereabouts or the remaining missing dogs to contact Lt. Shannon Hayes at 760-373-8606.
