12-Year-Old Boy Dies After Jumping Into Lake to Escape Off-Leash Dogs; Owner Arrested in California

A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the community of California City after a 12-year-old boy died while trying to escape a group of off-leash dogs at a local park. Authorities have since arrested the alleged owner of the dogs, who now faces multiple criminal charges in connection with the child’s death.

Boy Entered Lake While Fleeing Dogs

According to the California City Police Department, the incident occurred on the evening of June 18 at Central Park in California City, California.

Investigators say several children were at the park when three off-leash dogs allegedly attacked them. As the animals chased 12-year-old Fernando Torres Moreno, the boy ran toward a nearby lake and entered the water in an apparent attempt to escape. Tragically, he did not resurface.

Emergency responders located Fernando at the bottom of the lake and immediately began CPR before transporting him to a local hospital. Despite lifesaving efforts, he later died from his injuries.

Another Child Injured in the Attack

Authorities said another child, identified as Fernando’s 8-year-old sister, suffered serious but non-life-threatening dog bite injuries during the attack. She was treated at a hospital and later released.

Police reported that two additional children were evaluated at the scene but did not require hospitalization.

Dog Owner Arrested After Investigation

Following an investigation, police identified 68-year-old Kenneth Dobbins as the owner of the dogs involved in the incident.

Although Dobbins initially spoke with investigators on the day of the attack, authorities later obtained an arrest warrant after gathering additional evidence linking his dogs to the fatal incident. Police said he left the area before officers could take him into custody.

On June 25, Dobbins was located in Lancaster, California, after a citizen reported seeing him. He was arrested by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies and later transferred to Kern County authorities.

Charges and Ongoing Investigation

Dobbins has been booked on charges including involuntary manslaughter and negligent ownership of dangerous animals causing serious bodily injury or death.

Authorities have recovered one of the three dogs believed to have been involved in the attack, while efforts continue to locate the remaining animals. The investigation remains ongoing.

Community Mourns Fernando Torres Moreno

Fernando’s death has devastated his family and the California City community. Friends, neighbors, and local officials have gathered to honor his memory during a candlelight vigil, remembering him as a kind, joyful child whose life ended far too soon. A fundraising campaign has also been launched to help support his family with funeral expenses.

A Tragedy That Raises Questions About Public Safety

The incident has renewed concerns about responsible pet ownership and the dangers posed by uncontrolled dogs in public spaces. As the legal process moves forward, many in the community hope the case will lead to greater accountability and stronger measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Fernando’s death serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly an ordinary day can turn into an unimaginable loss.