CALIFORNIA CITY, CA – A tragic incident at Central Park has left a 12-year-old boy dead and his 8-year-old sister injured following an alleged attack by a group of dogs on June 18. Police are now actively searching for the dogs’ owner, who fled before a warrant could be served.
The Fatal Incident at Central Park
The California City Police Department (CCPD) responded to a reported drowning at Central Park around 6:00 p.m. According to official reports, 12-year-old Fernando Torres Moreno and his younger sister were chased by three dogs.
In an effort to escape the animals, Moreno jumped into the park’s lake. Emergency crews later recovered his body from the bottom of the lake. He was rushed to Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley Hospital and later transferred to the Children’s Hospital in Bakersfield, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries at 3:00 a.m.
His 8-year-old sister, who was unable to escape the dogs on land, sustained serious but non-life-threatening bite injuries. She was treated at Antelope Valley Medical Center and has since been released.
Search Warrant Issued for Owner
Authorities have identified the owner of the dogs as Kenneth Dobbins, 68, a previously convicted felon. Investigators initially interviewed Dobbins at the park, where he admitted to being there with his three dogs. Because the severe condition of the children was not yet known, Dobbins was not immediately detained.
Following further investigation, police secured a search warrant for Dobbins on charges of:
- Involuntary manslaughter
- Negligent ownership of a mischievous animal causing serious bodily injury or death
When officers went to execute the warrant at his residence on Tuesday, June 23, they discovered Dobbins had already fled.
Current Status and Public Appeal
Animal control and police have successfully located and seized one of the three dogs involved. However, law enforcement is still actively searching for Dobbins and the remaining two dogs.
Community members have set up a local memorial and fundraiser to support the Moreno family with funeral expenses, remembering Fernando as a bright and loving boy.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Kenneth Dobbins or the missing animals is urged to contact the California City Police Department immediately.
