Authorities are searching for a man believed to be responsible for an incident where a 12-year-old boy drowned in a lake after attempting to escape an attack by three dogs. Another minor sustained significant bite injuries during the incident.
The California City Police Department was dispatched to Central Park on June 18 following a report of a drowning. Responding officers discovered the boy at the bottom of the lake. Despite immediate lifesaving efforts, including CPR initiated by officers and continued by paramedics, the minor was pronounced deceased at a local hospital. A second minor, who suffered severe but not life-threatening bite wounds, was treated and released.
During their investigation, officers identified Kenneth Dobbins, who stated he was in the park with three dogs. These dogs were later confirmed to be the animals involved in the attack. Police subsequently obtained an arrest warrant for Dobbins, charging him with involuntary manslaughter and being a negligent owner of a dangerous animal that caused serious injury and/or death.
On Tuesday, police discovered that Dobbins had fled his residence. One of the three dogs implicated in the attack has been recovered in Los Angeles County. Dobbins, described as a 68-year-old homeless convicted felon with ties to Palmdale, remains at large with his remaining dogs. Authorities have urged the public to contact law enforcement immediately if Dobbins is sighted and to not approach him.
A GoFundMe campaign established for the deceased boy, identified as Fernando Torres Moreno, has raised over $10,000. The fundraiser page described Moreno as a beloved child whose absence leaves a significant void in his family and community.
