Israel Rentas {BSO}
By Ryan Yousefi
A man is charged with felony assault causing bodily harm following an alleged violent attack on his neighbor at the Oriole Gardens Phase II Condominiums, resulting in serious injuries for the victim.
According to the Margate Police Department report, on February 15, they received a 911 call indicating a violent assault had taken place within the Oriole Gardens community clubhouse.
The victim informed officers that the confrontation began with a verbal exchange between two neighbors – a man, later identified as Israel Rentas, 66, of Margate, and herself — in the hallway of their condominium complex before spilling into the clubhouse.
The dispute grew out of hand when Rentas, weighing between 200-250 pounds, allegedly cornered the victim, a woman weighing approximately 100-120 pounds, against a wall. Despite the victim’s efforts to create distance, the situation escalated as Rentas continued to close in.
The arrest report shows that as tempers flared, Rentas grabbed the back of the victim’s head and flung her 180 degrees to the ground.
The victim was reportedly thrown onto the floor with such force that she landed 5-6 feet away from the defendant. While on the ground, Rentas allegedly struck her with multiple blows to the head and face, leading to a severe concussion, apparent injuries to her face, and significant pain.
These injuries were later treated at Northwest Medical Center, where the victim underwent a CAT scan to determine if she had bleeding in her brain.
In the immediate aftermath, the victim was unsure about pressing charges, a sentiment that changed the following day after the gravity of her injuries became apparent.
On February 16, she formally pressed charges. She provided MPD with a detailed account of the incident, including evidence of additional injuries, such as a bruise on her right hip/buttocks area as a result of being slammed to the ground.
Rentas was detained at his residence, arrested, and transported to the Broward County Main Jail. He was later released after posting a $7,500 bond.
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