Man trying to find stolen iPad accused of breaking dog’s back while trespassing

A man who was attempting to find his stolen iPad is accused of breaking a dog’s back in the backyard of a home where his ‘Find my iPad’ app brought him to, according to Desert Hot Springs Police Chief Dale Mondary.

From the details Chief Mondary said he’s aware of at this time, Johnny Sofanko contacted police after the app pinged his device to the particular home on April 20. Police received permission to search the home but they weren’t able to located Sofanko’s iPad.

Chief Mondary said Sofanko wasn’t happy that police weren’t able to find the iPad and he continued looking for it. After officers left the home, Sofanko allegedly returned to the residence and jumped the back fence.

A Shepherd/Mix breed was in the backyard and witnesses said Sofranko was in the yard alone with the dog. Sofranko denied harming the dog but authorities said the animal suffered a broken back resulting from blunt force trauma.

Chief Mondary said officers don’t know if Sofranko kicked the dog or threw a large rock at it. The dog’s owner called 911. Officers returned to the house and arrested Sofranko after investigating.

Although Sofranko was arrested on April 20, he was officially charged with animal cruelty and trespassing on Friday, May 26. He is out of custody and is scheduled to be in court at the Larson Justice Center on June 2. His bail was set at $10,000, according to jail records.

Authorities said they spoke to the dog’s owner on Tuesday, May 30. She said her dog survived the incident and is on the road to recovery.

KESQ News Channel 3 & CBS Local 2 will keep you updated as Sofranko makes it to court.

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