A man accused of threatening to kill rapper Rick Ross' son and then striking him in the head with a handgun near Bethune-Cookman University has been arrested on felony charges, Daytona Beach police say. William Roberts III told officers that Don Roberts III drove up to him and an unidentified woman on a sidewalk near the campus around 9:40 p.m. on Oct. 11, pointed a tan-colored handgun at him, and warned him before pistol-whipping him and driving off.
According to police, as cited by news-journalonline.com, Don Roberts pointed the weapon at William Roberts and struck him on the right side of the head with it after threatening to kill him. The arrest report quoted Don Roberts III as telling the victim, “I don't care who your daddy is, I'll kill you right here,” according to NBC Miami. After the alleged assault, Don Roberts III left the scene, police said.
Victim Waited a Day to Call Police, Citing Fear
William Roberts III did not immediately contact authorities. Instead, he drove home and reported the incident to police the next day, per the same account from the Daytona Beach news outlet. When officers asked why he had waited, he said he was in fear, NBC Miami reports.
William Roberts III told police he believed the confrontation stemmed from Don Roberts III's previous romantic relationship with the woman who had been standing with him on the sidewalk, according to WESH. Investigators have not detailed any further connection between the two men beyond that account.
Photo Lineup Leads to Arrest and Warrant
Police arranged a photographic lineup, and William Roberts III identified Don Roberts III as his attacker, after which officers obtained an arrest warrant, the news-journalonline.com report states. Don Roberts III turned himself in on Oct. 16, facing felony charges of aggravated assault and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
NBC Miami separately confirmed the suspect's arrest date, reporting that the suspect was arrested on Oct. 16. Don Roberts III pleaded not guilty three days later, on Oct. 19, with his bond scheduled to be set on Wednesday, the Daytona Beach outlet reported.
Conflicting Reports on Football Ties
News outlets covering the case differ on William Roberts III's current status with the university's football program. The Daytona Beach news outlet described him as a former Bethune-Cookman University football player, while a report from WKMG identified him as a current player at the school. Both reports agree that he is the son of rapper Rick Ross.
