Boy Dies After Jumping Into Lake to Escape Vicious Dogs at Park

A Southern California family is grieving after a 12-year-old boy reportedly jumped into a lake while trying to escape three vicious dogs and drowned.

Fernando Torres Moreno died after the terrifying incident at Central Park Lake in Kern County, according to the California City Police Department.

Police said officers responded to a drowning call on June 18 after Fernando ran from the dogs and jumped into the water. Witnesses told authorities the boy did not come back up.

When officers arrived, they found Fernando in the lake. They also discovered a young girl who had suffered dog bites. Her injuries were described as non-life-threatening.

Fernando was rushed to a hospital as first responders began life-saving efforts. The girl was also taken to a nearby hospital, where she was treated and later released.

Fernando died the next day, June 19, police said.

As investigators began piecing together what happened, witness statements led them to 68-year-old Kenneth Dobbins. Police said Dobbins told officers he had been at the park with his three dogs and claimed the animals had been with him the entire time.

Dobbins was not taken into custody at that time.

But as the investigation continued, police said they determined the dogs involved in the attack belonged to Dobbins.

When officers later went to serve a search warrant connected to the drowning and dog attack, they said Dobbins and the dogs were gone.

One of the dogs was later seized in Los Angeles County, but police are still asking for the public’s help finding Dobbins and the two remaining dogs.

Authorities described Dobbins as a transient and previously convicted felon with loose ties to California City and Palmdale. He is described as 6 feet 6 inches tall and about 250 pounds, with gray hair and brown eyes.

The heartbreaking case has shaken Fernando’s family and community.

A GoFundMe has been created to help his loved ones with funeral costs as they struggle with the sudden loss of a child described as full of life.

“Fernando was a bright, loving boy who brought joy to everyone around him,” the fundraiser says. “He loved spending time outdoors, playing with his siblings, and making new friends.”

The message continued, “His laughter and kindness touched the lives of many, and his absence leaves a hole in the hearts of his family and community.”

Police have not released additional details about what led up to the dog attack or drowning.

The search for Dobbins and the remaining dogs is ongoing.