Rick Ross’ son, William Roberts III, was allegedly threatened at gunpoint and struck in the head with a firearm during a confrontation near Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida. Police have since arrested a 20-year-old man accused of carrying out the attack.
According to NBC 6 South Florida, the incident occurred on October 11, 2026. The suspect, identified as Don Roberts III, was arrested on October 16 and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
The confrontation reportedly began while William was standing outside with a woman near the university. Investigators said a vehicle approached the pair, and the suspect exited before confronting the college football player.
An arrest report obtained by NBC 6 states that Don initially yelled, “that’s what we doin.” William reportedly believed the remark concerned the woman standing beside him because she and the suspect had previously been romantically involved.
The encounter allegedly escalated when Don approached William while holding a handgun. Police said he pointed the weapon directly at the athlete and referenced his famous father while making a death threat.
“I don’t care who your daddy is, I’ll kill you right here,” the suspect allegedly told William, according to the arrest report.
Investigators said Don then raised the firearm and struck William on the right side of his head. William managed to get into his vehicle and return home following the confrontation.
Additional details reported by WFTV Channel 9 indicate that the alleged attack happened near the intersection of McLeod Avenue and Weaver Street, close to the Bethune-Cookman campus.
The police report described the approaching vehicle as a gray BMW or Kia passenger car. Investigators also documented minor swelling on the right side of William’s head following the alleged assault. He told officers he did not need medical treatment.
Rick Ross’ son did not immediately contact authorities after returning home. According to police, William waited until the following day to report the incident because he feared for his safety.
During the investigation, William provided officers with the suspect’s name and a possible date of birth. Detectives subsequently arranged a photographic lineup, and William identified the man he alleged had threatened and assaulted him.
WFTV also reported that investigators examined footage from city surveillance cameras while reviewing the incident. However, the cameras did not capture the alleged confrontation itself, leaving detectives without video of the reported attack.
The investigation resulted in Don’s arrest five days after the incident. WKMG News 6 reported on October 20 that the suspect was no longer listed on the Volusia County Jail’s online inmate website. That update did not establish whether he had posted bond or provide details about upcoming court proceedings.
Although William Roberts III and Don Roberts III have similar names, they are separate individuals. The charges against Don remain allegations, and an arrest does not establish guilt.
Outside the investigation, William has built his own athletic career while growing up in the public eye as the son of Rick Ross and Tia Kemp.
According to Bethune-Cookman University’s official athletics profile, William joined the school’s football program in 2024 after playing at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
He arrived at the historically Black university as an offensive lineman after contributing to one of Florida’s most successful high school football programs. His collegiate recruiting process included offers from Colorado, Florida International, Marshall, Miami, and Albany State.
At St. Thomas Aquinas, William was part of four consecutive state championship teams. The university credited him with helping protect the quarterback and support a rushing attack that accumulated more than 2,700 yards during his senior season.
William’s first college season included an appearance against Western Michigan in September 2024. Bethune-Cookman’s athletic records show that he played along the offensive line and received a redshirt designation, preserving a season of eligibility.
For the 2025 season, the university listed him as a redshirt freshman tight end wearing jersey No. 84. His official roster measurements were 6 feet, 2 inches tall and 220 pounds. The publicly available profile does not establish his playing status for the 2026 season.
His decision to attend Bethune-Cookman also continued a family connection to HBCU football. As previously reported by the Miami Herald, Rick Ross played college football at Albany State University before establishing his music career.
William had announced his commitment to Bethune-Cookman in January 2024, choosing the Daytona Beach school despite opportunities at other college programs.
