12-Year-Old Fernando Torres Moreno Drowns After Jumping Into Kern County Lake To Escape Three Dogs; Authorities Seek Owner

A Southern California family is mourning after 12-year-old Fernando Torres Moreno drowned when he jumped into Central Park Lake in Kern County on June 18 to escape three aggressive dogs.

A Southern California family is mourning after a 12-year-old boy drowned.

Emergency crews responded to a drowning call that day after witnesses reported that Fernando jumped into the lake and did not resurface. Officers found the boy in the water and located a young girl at the scene who had sustained dog bites described as 'non-life threatening.'

Police said on June 18th, they responded to a drowning call for a boy who had jumped in the Central Park Lake in Kern County.

Both children were transported to local hospitals. Medical teams initiated life-saving efforts for Fernando, but he later died at the hospital on June 19. The girl was treated for her injuries and released.

While life saving efforts continued on the boy, authorities said witnesses statements led them to 68-year-old Kenneth Dobbins. California City Police Dept.

Investigation and Suspect

Witness statements led investigators to 68-year-old Kenneth Dobbins, who told police he had been in the park with three dogs and said the animals had remained with him. At that time he was not taken into custody. As the probe continued, police determined the dogs involved in the incident belonged to Dobbins.

A GoFund Me has been set up to help the family with funeral costs.

Officers returned to serve a search warrant but reported that Dobbins and the animals were no longer at the address. One dog was later seized in Los Angeles County. Authorities are asking the public for help locating Dobbins and the two remaining dogs.

Police describe Dobbins as a transient and a previously convicted felon with loose ties to California City and Palmdale. He is listed as approximately 6 ft 6 in tall and weighing about 250 lbs, with gray hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office or local law enforcement.

Community Response

A GoFundMe has been created to help the bereaved family with funeral expenses and other costs. The fundraiser describes Fernando as 'a bright, loving boy who brought joy to everyone around him,' noting that he enjoyed playing outdoors, spending time 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 community continues to grieve and authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack and drowning.