MARGATE, FLORIDA – A man is facing charges of felony assault causing bodily harm following a violent altercation with his neighbor at the Oriole Gardens Phase II Condominiums, where the victim sustained serious injuries.
According to the Margate Police Department report, on February 15th, authorities responded to a 911 call reporting a violent assault at the Oriole Gardens community clubhouse. The victim recounted that the confrontation originated as a verbal exchange between herself and the suspect, identified as Israel Rentas, 66, within their condominium complex before it escalated into the clubhouse.
The dispute took a violent turn as Rentas, weighing between 200-250 pounds, allegedly cornered the victim, who weighed approximately 100-120 pounds, against a wall. Despite the victim’s attempts to create distance, Rentas continued to close in, ending with him flinging her to the ground.
Reports indicate that Rentas forcefully threw the victim to the floor, causing her to land several feet away, before striking her multiple times in the head and face. These actions resulted in a severe concussion, visible injuries to her face, and significant pain. The victim sought medical treatment at Northwest Medical Center, undergoing a CAT scan to assess potential brain injuries.
Initially hesitant to press charges, the victim changed her mind the day after the incident when the extent of her injuries became clear. On February 16th, she formally pressed charges with the Margate Police Department, providing a detailed account of the events and evidence of additional injuries sustained during the altercation.
Rentas was subsequently arrested at his residence and taken to Broward County Main Jail. He was later released after posting a $7,500 bond. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violent confrontations within residential communities and the importance of seeking legal recourse in such situations.