Rick Ross’ son says man pistol-whipped him and threatened to kill him near college

Florida police arrested a suspect after William Roberts III reported being threatened at gunpoint and struck with a firearm near Bethune-Cookman University.

Rick Ross’ son William Roberts III told police a man threatened to kill him and struck him in the head with a handgun near Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida. Ross, whose older children include William, reportedly gave him a Wingstop restaurant for his 16th birthday.

As WFTV reported October 20, the encounter happened October 11 near McLeod Avenue and Weaver Street. William said he was talking with a woman on a sidewalk when a gray car, described as either a BMW or Kia, pulled up.

According to police records, the driver got out, pointed a gun at him, and said, “I don’t care who your daddy is, I’ll kill you right here.” William alleged the man then struck the right side of his head with the weapon before leaving.

The blow caused minor swelling, but William told officers he did not need medical attention. He reported the incident the following day, explaining that fear had kept him from contacting police immediately, according to additional reporting on the affidavit.

Investigators presented William with a photographic lineup, and he identified the person he said had attacked him. Police also reviewed city surveillance footage but could not find video showing the confrontation.

William reportedly believed the dispute might have involved the woman he was speaking with, who had previously dated the accused man. The precise motive has not been established.

A 20-year-old suspect, Don Roberts, surrendered to police on October 16 and faces charges of aggravated assault and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He pleaded not guilty on October 19, according to court records reported by Complex.

Bethune-Cookman confirmed William appeared on its 2025 football roster but said he was dismissed from the team before the 2026 season for disciplinary reasons. The school did not connect that dismissal to the alleged attack.

Don Roberts has requested release on a $50,000 bond. Prosecutors did not oppose the request, but a judge was scheduled to consider it at an October 21 hearing, Complex reported. The allegations involving Rick Ross’ son remain unproven.