Tragedy in Sonoma County: Boy Dies After Dog Chase Leads to Drowning

Updated: CaliforniaToday Sonoma County

The attack involved two dogs, not three, and four children were attacked, not two. The mayor of California City, Marquette Hawkins, issued a press release about the incident.

Two of the four children were evaluated at the scene and not taken to the hospital. The dogs were identified as mixed-breed dogs that were off leash but with an owner at the time.

Source: mysuncoast.com

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The boy jumped into Central Park Lake on June 18, did not come up, and was found by police in the water. He was transported to the hospital and died there on June 19.

The girl was treated at a nearby hospital and released. Dobbins told police he was in the park with his three dogs and claimed they were with him the whole time; he was not taken into custody.

When police served a search warrant, Dobbins and his dogs were gone. Dobbins is 6'6" tall, weighs approximately 250 pounds, and has gray hair and brown eyes.

The GoFundMe message described Fernando as "bright, loving" and said he loved spending time outdoors, playing with his siblings, and making new friends.

Source: nypost.com

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The incident occurred in California City, Kern County, not Sonoma County. The boy was found at the bottom of the lake by officers who performed CPR.

A second minor, a girl, suffered serious non-life-threatening bite injuries and was treated at Antelope Valley Medical Center. The suspect is Kenneth Dobbins, a 68-year-old unhoused previously convicted felon with ties to California City and Palmdale.

An arrest warrant was issued for involuntary manslaughter and negligent ownership. One dog was later found in Los Angeles County and seized.

The boy was identified as Fernando Torres Moreno. Over $10,000 was raised via GoFundMe for his family.

Source: latimes.com

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The suspect is a 68-year-old man from Antelope Valley, and police are asking for help finding him. The boy jumped into a lake to escape the man's three attacking dogs.

Source: patch.com

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A tragic incident in Sonoma County has claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy who drowned while attempting to escape from aggressive dogs. The boy, whose identity has not been released, was reportedly chased by a pack of dogs into a body of water, where he succumbed to the water.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack and drowning. The incident occurred in an unincorporated area near Healdsburg, a city in Sonoma County known for its wine country and rural landscapes.

Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of a child in distress. Despite their efforts, the boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

The dogs involved have been seized by animal control officials pending further investigation. This heartbreaking event has shocked the local community, with neighbors expressing grief and concern over the presence of dangerous animals.

The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation, and no charges have been filed at this time. The incident underscores ongoing debates about pet ownership responsibilities and public safety in rural areas.

Source: northcoastjournal.com

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