Police Charge Don Roberts III in Attack on Rick Ross Son

A confrontation near Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida, left William Roberts III, the son of rapper Rick Ross, with minor swelling on the right side of his head after a man allegedly threatened to kill him and struck him with a handgun on October 11, according to police and court records. The suspect, identified in most reports as Don Roberts III, 20, faces two felony charges involving a deadly weapon.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:40 p.m. near the intersection of McLeod Avenue and Weaver Street, according to the News-Journal. William Roberts III told police he was standing on a sidewalk with a woman when the suspect arrived in a vehicle and confronted him.

Police records indicate the suspect pointed a handgun at William Roberts III before striking the right side of his head with the weapon. The victim told investigators he did not require medical treatment.

According to the police report, the suspect threatened William Roberts III during the confrontation, saying, "I don't care who your daddy is, I'll kill you right here."

Investigators said William Roberts III believed the confrontation might have involved the woman because she had previously been romantically involved with the suspect. The reports do not establish that this was the confirmed motive.

William Roberts III drove home after the encounter and contacted police the following day. He told investigators he had delayed reporting the incident because he was afraid, according to accounts published by NBC Miami and ClickOrlando.

Police subsequently arranged a photographic lineup, and William Roberts III identified the suspect. Investigators also reviewed municipal surveillance footage but could not capture the alleged assault on video, according to WFTV.

The arrest report also describes the suspect shouting, "That's what we doin'" as he approached William Roberts III. The victim believed the remark referred to his interaction with the woman, according to the documents.

Authorities arrested Don Roberts III on October 16. He faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, according to reports from NBC Miami and WESH.

Court records cited by the News-Journal indicate that Don Roberts III pleaded not guilty on October 19. His bond was scheduled to be set on October 21. The available reports do not establish whether the two men are related.

Reports contain a discrepancy in the suspect's name: WFTV identified him as Don Roberts II, while WESH, ClickOrlando, NBC Miami and the News-Journal identified him as Don Roberts III. The latter reports also identify William Roberts III as the victim.

William Roberts III previously appeared on Bethune-Cookman University's 2025 football roster. A university spokesperson told WFTV that he had been dismissed from the team before the 2026 season for disciplinary reasons and was no longer part of the program.