Suspect Accused of Burglarizing Apartments at Condemned Orlando Rialto Complex

Israel Jacobowitz allegedly entered the evacuated building and stole property, including bank cards and tools.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:11pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged door frame, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic about the burglary incident at the condemned Rialto Apartments.A recent wave of burglaries at the evacuated Rialto Apartments complex has added to the distress of displaced residents.Today in Orlando

A 45-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly burglarizing multiple apartments in the condemned Rialto Apartments building in Orlando, Florida, where over 350 residents had been displaced due to structural concerns. Deputies say Israel Jacobowitz entered the evacuated building without authorization, stole property including bank cards and tools, and was caught on camera.

Why it matters

The Rialto building was evacuated in March after reports of structural issues, leaving residents in a difficult situation as they tried to retrieve their belongings. This alleged burglary adds another layer of frustration and violation for the displaced residents who were already dealing with the uncertainty of the building's future.

The details

According to an arrest affidavit, a building employee told deputies that Jacobowitz went inside the condemned Rialto Apartments around 11 p.m. on Wednesday and was still there the next morning. Investigators say he was seen on camera trying doors, taking a Ring camera from one apartment, and walking around with stolen property in a white plastic bag. Police also recovered four bank cards belonging to a resident and tools taken from a maintenance worker.

  • The Rialto building was evacuated on March 19, 2026 after reports of structural issues.
  • Jacobowitz was allegedly inside the condemned building on the night of April 15, 2026 and into the morning of April 16, 2026.

The players

Israel Jacobowitz

A 45-year-old man who was arrested for allegedly burglarizing multiple apartments in the condemned Rialto Apartments building in Orlando.

Rialto Apartments

A residential building in Orlando, Florida that was evacuated in March 2026 due to structural concerns, displacing over 350 residents.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Jacobowitz faces several charges, including burglary, attempted burglary, grand theft, possession of burglary tools, petit theft of credit cards, and trespass in a condemned building. He will appear before a judge who will decide whether to grant him bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the additional challenges and violations faced by residents who have already been displaced from their homes due to structural issues. It underscores the need for heightened security and oversight in condemned buildings to protect the belongings of those who have been forced to evacuate.