A Daytona Beach man has been arrested after allegedly pointing a handgun at Rick Ross’ son, threatening his life, and striking him in the head with the weapon outside Bethune-Cookman University.
According to a police affidavit and court records, the incident occurred around 9:40 p.m. on Oct. 11 near the intersection of McLeod Avenue and Weaver Street. William Roberts III, a former Bethune-Cookman football player and the son of Rick Ross and Tia Kemp, told Daytona Beach police he was standing on the sidewalk speaking with a woman when a gray BMW or Kia pulled up. Don Roberts III, 20, of Daytona Beach, got out of the vehicle holding a tan-colored handgun.
Police said Don Roberts yelled “That’s what we doing?” — a comment William Roberts interpreted as referring to the woman and a prior romantic relationship she had with the suspect. Don Roberts then pointed the gun at him and said, “I don’t care who your daddy is, I’ll kill you right here,” before striking him on the right side of the head with the firearm and driving off, the affidavit states.
William Roberts drove himself home. He reported minor swelling but declined medical attention. He contacted police the following day, telling officers he waited because he was in fear. Investigators said he provided the suspect’s name and a possible date of birth, then identified Don Roberts from a photographic lineup. A check of nearby surveillance cameras produced no video of the confrontation. The two men share a last name but are not related.
Don Roberts turned himself in on Oct. 16. He faces felony charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He pleaded not guilty on Oct. 19 and requested release on a $50,000 bond. Prosecutors did not oppose the request, with a judge scheduled to decide the matter on Oct. 21.
The case quickly drew comment from 50 Cent, Rick Ross’ longtime rival. On Instagram, 50 Cent wrote, “Damn got the man arrested, 👀why he didn’t just call his dad. He probably called the cops for him. LOL.” He followed up by offering to help bail the suspect out and saying he would put attorney Drew Findling on the case while sharing the booking information. Tia Kemp responded publicly, escalating the exchange.
The developments come as Rick Ross, born William Leonard Roberts II, is dealing with his own legal issues. He was arrested on Oct. 1 in Miami Beach on charges of felony battery by strangulation and misdemeanor battery stemming from allegations by ex-girlfriend Jazzma Kendrick. Ross has denied the claims, pleaded not guilty, and posted bond.
All details surrounding the Daytona Beach incident come from the victim’s statement to police, the resulting affidavit, and public court records. Don Roberts III is presumed innocent until proven guilty. No independent video of the alleged confrontation has been released.
