BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — 68-year-old Kenneth Dobbins is wanted by California City Police for his alleged role in the events that led to the drowning death of a 12-year-old boy after police say he was running from a dog attack on June 18. A second child, a girl, was injured in the attack, said police.
WANTED: Kenneth Dobbins. Photo: California City Police Dept.
The California City Police Department said on June 18, 2026, at about 6:07 p.m., officers responded to a report of a drowning in progress in the lake at Central Park, located at 10350 Heather Avenue.
Police said that it was reported that a 12-year-old boy jumped into the lake to while running from dogs, and he did not come up from the water. Officers arrived at 6:09 p.m.
WANTED: Kenneth Dobbins. Photo: California City Police Dept.
They found the 12-year-old boy at the bottom of the lake and attempted CPR minutes later. Kern County Fire Department paramedics arrived shortly later and attempted life-saving measures before a Hall ambulance arrived. He was taken to Tehachapi Hospital and later transported to the Children’s Hospital where he died from his injuries. The Kern County Coroner’s Office identified the boy and said he died the following day on June 19.
Dog are not allowed at California City’s Central Park. (Steve Virgen, KBAK/KBFX)
Officers found a second child, a girl, suffering from “serious, but non-life threatening bite injuries,” said police. She was taken to Antelope Valley Hospital, where she was treated for her injuries and was released.
Police investigated through eyewitnesses and the victims, discovering that Kenneth Dobbins, the alleged owner of three dogs, stated he was in the park at the time.
Officers followed Dobbins to his condo, where he, his clothing, and three dogs were photographed. Unbeknownst to police of any involvement he had in the death and injuries, Dobbins was not under arrest at that time.
Days later, officers identified Kenneth Dobbins as the man in the park, whose three dogs were those that attacked the two juveniles, causing the death of one and serious bodily injury to the other.
An arrest warrant has been made for Dobbins on charges of involuntary manslaughter and negligent owner of a mischievous animal causing serious bodily injury and/or death to another.
Dog are not allowed at California City’s Central Park. (Steve Virgen, KBAK/KBFX)
On June 23, 2026, officers went to Dobbins’ home, where he was last contacted, to serve warrants and found that he had left his home.
One of the dogs in the attack was found later in Los Angeles County and was seized.
California City Police said they are actively looking for Dobbins and his two dogs.
Dobbins is described as a transient, previously convicted felon, with loose ties to California City as well as Palmdale.
Dog are not allowed at California City’s Central Park. (Steve Virgen, KBAK/KBFX)
Dobbins is described as 68 years old, 6’6″ tall, around 250 pounds, with gray hair and brown eyes.
Officials believe that Dobbins is actively avoiding contact with law enforcement. If you encounter Dobbins, immediately contact your local law enforcement agency.
If you have information about this case, including the whereabouts of Dobbins, you are urged to call Lieutenant Shannon Haye at (760) 373-8606 or shayes@californiacitypd.org.