Rick Ross’ Son Pistol-Whipped Over a Woman in Florida

Rick Ross’ son, William Roberts III, was allegedly pistol-whipped in Daytona Beach on October 11, just weeks after his father was arrested on domestic violence charges, according to police reports ^[1]. The 20-year-old football player at Bethune-Cookman University was speaking with a woman on a street corner around 9:40 p.m. when a car pulled up and a man named Don Roberts, 20, exited and confronted them.

According to an arrest report, Don Roberts shouted, "I don’t care who your daddy is, I’ll kill you right here," before bashing Roberts III over the head with a tan-colored handgun ^[1]. The suspect did not fire the weapon. Roberts III later told police he believed Don had previously dated the woman he was speaking with ^[2].

After the attack, Roberts III fled to his vehicle and drove to his family’s home. He later identified Don Roberts from a photo lineup, leading to his arrest on Friday ^[2]. Don Roberts now faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and is being held at the Volusia County Branch Jail on no bond ^[1].

The incident follows a turbulent week for the rapper. Rick Ross, whose real name is William Leonard Roberts II, turned himself in to Miami Beach Police on October 1, arrested on allegations of attacking his former girlfriend over an Instagram post ^[1]. He was charged with third-degree felony battery by strangulation and a first-degree misdemeanor for intentional touching or striking. His lawyers, Steve Sadow and Bradley Horenstein, have denied the allegations, calling them a "wrongful accusation" by an ex-girlfriend with unclear motives ^[2].

Rick Ross is scheduled to appear in court on October 22, the same day the assault on his son was reported ^[1]. The case has drawn attention for the timing and the violent nature of the attack, which reportedly stemmed from a romantic dispute involving the woman the son was speaking with ^[2].