Man Wanted In Death Of Boy, 12, Who Drowned In Lake While Escaping His Attacking Dogs: Police

LOS ANGELES, CA — Police are asking for help finding a 68-year-old Antelope Valley man wanted in connection with the drowning death of a 12-year-old boy who jumped in a lake to escape the man's three attacking dogs.

Authorities are asking for help finding Kenneth Dobbins as well as two of the dogs involved in the attack. Dobbins is described as a transient with ties to the Palmdale area.

On June 18, the boy, identified by loved ones as Fernando Torres Moreno jumped into the lake at Central Park in California City in Kern County to escape a trio of loose dogs. A young girl at the park was attacked by the dogs, suffering non-life threatening injuries, according to the California City Police Department.

Officers arrived within minutes, located the boy at the bottom of the lake and began CPR before Kern County Fire Department paramedics and Hall Ambulance personnel took over lifesaving efforts. The boy was taken to Tehachapi Hospital and later transferred to Children's Hospital, where he died.

Police said the preliminary investigation led officers to the Lakeshore Condominiums, where they contacted Dobbins, who told investigators he had been in the park with his three dogs at the time. Officers photographed Dobbins, his clothing and the three dogs, but said he was not taken into custody because investigators had not yet determined "the level of injury to the victims or extent, if any, involvement Dobbins may have had."

Following a four-day investigation, detectives determined Dobbins and his three dogs were involved in the attack. Police said the dogs attacked the two juveniles, "causing the death of one and serious bodily injury to the other."

Investigators obtained an arrest warrant charging Dobbins with involuntary manslaughter and negligent owner of a mischievous animal causing serious bodily injury and/or death to another.

When officers went to Dobbins' residence Tuesday to serve the warrant, they discovered he had left the area, police said. One of the dogs involved in the attack was later located and seized in Los Angeles County. Authorities said they are continuing efforts to locate Dobbins and his remaining dogs.

Police described Dobbins as transient with loose ties to California City and Palmdale. He is described as a previously convicted felon, 68 years old, about 6 feet 6 inches tall, weighing about 250 pounds, with gray hair and brown eyes. Investigators said they believe he is actively avoiding contact with law enforcement and urged anyone who encounters him to immediately contact their local law enforcement agency. Anyone with information about the case or Dobbins' whereabouts is asked to contact Lt. Shannon Hayes at (760) 373-8606 or shayes@californiacitypd.org.

While police search for Dobbins and his dogs, the boy's loved ones are asking for help covering his funeral expenses.

"Imagine losing your child at just 12 years old. Fernando Torres Moreno was ready for a great day at the park with his friends and family, but tragedy took him from us too soon. He is survived by his father, mother, two brothers, and two sisters, who are now left picking up the pieces after the senseless tragic accident," Sunshine Diaz wrote in a GoFundMe post for the family.

"Fernando was a bright, loving boy who brought joy to everyone around him. He loved spending time outdoors, playing with his siblings, and making new friends. His laughter and kindness touched the lives of many, and his absence leaves a hole in the hearts of his family and community. The pain of losing someone so young is unimaginable, and his loved ones are struggling to cope with this sudden loss," she added.