MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Rabbi Yitzchok Kaplan, 44, from northeast Miami-Dade, was arrested after an alleged robbery incident involving a county water meter reader outside his synagogue, Chabad of Aventura Isles, on Wednesday morning.
According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, the dispute began when a county meter reader arrived at the synagogue, located at 718 NE 191st St. in the unincorporated Ives Estates area, to check the water meter. The worker, holding a meter rod, used it to lift a cover off the meter located on the ground.
Kaplan, reportedly approached the worker aggressively and began shouting, “No, no, no, you’re not doing this today,” demanding to know what she was doing on the property. When the worker explained she was simply reading the meter, Kaplan continued to approach her and allegedly snatched the rod from her hand.
The worker, who identified herself as a county employee, informed Kaplan that the rod was county property and asked for its return. However, Kaplan refused to give it back, continuing the confrontation. The worker then took a picture of Kaplan holding the rod and walked across the street to distance herself, calling the police.
Deputies arrived at the scene, and Kaplan was arrested on a charge of robbery by sudden snatching, a third-degree felony. Kaplan declined to speak with investigators at the time of his arrest.
Kaplan appeared in front of Judge Mindy Glazer on Thursday for his bond hearing. The judge found probable cause for the charge and released Kaplan on his own recognizance. His attorney called the incident a “misunderstanding” during the court proceedings, and Kaplan and his lawyer declined to comment further after his release.
This case has drawn attention due to the nature of the dispute and the involvement of a local religious leader. The authorities continue their investigation, and Kaplan is expected to face further legal proceedings.