California City, CA – On the evening of Wednesday, June 18, 2026, a dog attack at Central Park resulted in the death of a 12-year-old boy and left a girl with serious injuries, and led to the issuance of an arrest warrant for Kenneth Dobbins, 68, according to KBAK.
The California City Police Department reports that the incident took place around 6:07 PM at Central Park, located at 10350 Heather Avenue.
Authorities said the boy jumped into the lake at Central Park while fleeing from dogs and did not resurface. Officers arrived at 6:09 PM and located him at the bottom of the lake.
CPR was attempted at the scene, and Kern County Fire Department paramedics performed life-saving measures before the boy was transported to Tehachapi Hospital and later transferred to a children’s hospital, where he died on June 19. The Kern County Coroner’s Office identified the boy following his death.
A second child, a girl, sustained serious but non-life-threatening bite injuries and was treated at Antelope Valley Hospital before being released.
Investigators identified Dobbins as the owner of three dogs involved in the attack through eyewitness accounts and information from the victims. Officers initially contacted Dobbins at his condominium and photographed him, his clothing, and the three dogs without knowledge of his involvement in the incident. Days later, Dobbins was identified as the man in the park whose dogs carried out the attack.
An arrest warrant was issued for Dobbins on charges of involuntary manslaughter and negligent ownership of a mischievous animal causing serious bodily injury and death. When officers returned to his home on June 23 to serve the warrant, he had fled. One of the dogs was later recovered in Los Angeles County.
Dobbins is described as a 68-year-old previously convicted felon with loose ties to California City and Palmdale, standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 250 pounds, with gray hair and brown eyes. Anyone who encounters Dobbins is asked to contact local law enforcement immediately.
Compensation for Dog Attack Victims
Dog owners whose pets harm others can be held financially liable for injuries caused by their animals. A personal injury claim — or even a wrongful death claim — made against the at-fault dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance can provide compensation for damages experienced by their loved ones, whether or not the dog owner is subjected to criminal charges.
California Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California dog bite lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
