DROWNING JUVENILE DEATH INVESTIGATION

California City, Ca,- On June 18, 2026, at about 6:07 PM, Officers of The California City Police Department responded to a report of a drowning in progress in the lake at Central Park. The comments in the call stated that a 12-year-old male had jumped into the lake running from dogs and did not come up. Officers responded Code 3 and arrived on scene at 6:09 PM.

The juvenile was located at the bottom of the lake by responding officers, brought to the surface and CPR started at approximately 6:13 PM. While at the scene, Officers were also attending to another juvenile suffering from serious, but non-life-threatening bite injuries. Soon after,

Paramedics from Kern County Fire Department arrived and took over life saving measures until Hall Ambulance arrived. The male juvenile was transported to Teachapi Hospital until he was later transported to Children's Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. The female juvenile was transported to Antelope Valley Hospital where she was treated for her injuries and released.

While life-saving efforts continued, other Officers began an investigation by collecting victim and witness statements of what had occurred. The preliminary investigation led investigating Officers to the Lakeshore Condominiums where they contacted Kenneth Dobbins who stated he was in the park and had his three dogs with him at the time. Officers accompanied Dobbins back to his condominium where he, his clothing, and three dogs were photographed. Not knowing the level of injury to the victims or extent, if any, involvement Dobbins may have had, he was not taken into custody at that time.

In the following four days, Officers of the California City Police Department conducted an in-depth investigation which ultimately identified Kenneth Dobbins as the subject in the park, and his three dogs as those that attacked the two juveniles causing the death of one and serious bodily injury to the other.

Officers have secured an arrest warrant for Dobbins for charges of: Involuntary manslaughter and negligent owner of a mischievous animal causing serious bodily injury and/or death to another.

On June 23, 2026, California City Police Officers went to the residence where Dobbins was last contacted to serve warrants and found that he had fled the location. One of the dogs involved in the attack was later located in Los Angeles County and subsequently seized.

The California City Police are actively continuing to locate Dobbins as well as his dogs. Dobbins is described as transient, previously convicted felon, with loose ties to California City as well as Palmdale. He is 68 years of age, stands six feet and six inches tall, weighing approximately 250 pounds, with gray hair and brown eyes. It is believed 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 encouraged to contact Lieutenant Shannon Hayes at shayes@californiacitypd.org or at (760)373-8606.

Press Release