A California man has been arrested after authorities alleged that his dogs chased a 12-year-old boy into a lake, where the child drowned while attempting to escape. The tragic incident has devastated the victim’s family and prompted criminal charges against the dog’s owner as investigators continue searching for two of the animals involved.
The victim, identified as Fernando Torres Moreno, died after entering the lake at Central Park in California City on June 18, 2026. According to investigators, Fernando and several other children were confronted by three dogs that were allegedly under the control of their owner at the time of the attack.
Boy Entered Lake While Trying to Escape Dogs
Police said officers were dispatched at approximately 6:07 p.m. after receiving reports that a child had jumped into the park’s lake while fleeing from aggressive dogs and had not resurfaced.
Responding officers quickly entered the water and located Fernando at the bottom of the lake. Emergency responders pulled him from the water and immediately began CPR before transporting him to a nearby hospital. Despite lifesaving efforts, the 12-year-old later died from his injuries.
Another Child Seriously Injured
Authorities said Fernando was not the only child affected by the incident.
His 8-year-old sister reportedly suffered multiple dog bite injuries during the attack. She was taken to a hospital, where she received treatment for serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Two other children who were present were evaluated by emergency medical personnel at the scene but did not require hospitalization.
The incident has raised renewed concerns about dangerous dogs in public spaces and the responsibilities of pet owners.
Investigation Leads to Arrest
Following interviews with witnesses and the collection of evidence, investigators identified 68-year-old Kenneth Dobbins as the owner of the three dogs allegedly involved in the attack.
Police initially spoke with Dobbins shortly after the incident, but as the investigation progressed, authorities concluded there was sufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges. He was arrested on June 25 after a public tip led officers to him in Lancaster, California, about 45 miles from where the incident occurred.
Charges Filed Against Dog Owner
Dobbins has been booked on charges including:
- Involuntary manslaughter
- Negligent ownership of a dangerous animal causing death or serious injury
Investigators allege that his failure to properly control the dogs directly contributed to the chain of events that resulted in Fernando’s death. The criminal case remains ongoing.
Search Continues for Remaining Dogs
Authorities have recovered one of the dogs believed to have been involved in the attack after locating it in Los Angeles County.
However, two additional dogs remain unaccounted for. Law enforcement agencies continue working to locate the animals and ensure they no longer pose a threat to the public.
Community Mourns Young Victim
Fernando’s death has deeply affected the California City community.
Family members, friends, classmates, and local residents have gathered to honor the 12-year-old’s memory, describing him as a joyful and caring child whose life was cut tragically short. A community vigil has been held, and a fundraiser has been established to assist his family with funeral expenses and other unexpected costs.
Community leaders have also called for greater accountability among pet owners to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Investigation Ongoing
The California City Police Department continues investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack and drowning. Officials have urged anyone with additional information about the remaining dogs or the incident to contact investigators.
As the criminal proceedings move forward, Fernando’s family continues to mourn the loss of a young boy whose life ended while desperately trying to escape a terrifying situation.
