In a worrying incident earlier this month, William Roberts III, the son of renowned rapper Rick Ross, was allegedly threatened at gunpoint while at Bethune-Cookman University. The event has raised concerns about safety on campus and has led to the arrest of a suspect in the case.
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On the 11th of October, William Roberts III was conversing with a woman near the intersection of McLeod Avenue and Weaver Street when he reported that Don Roberts III, who is said to be around 20 years old, exited his vehicle in a hostile manner. According to statements made by William, Don shouted, “That’s what we doin’,” which he interpreted as a reference to the unnamed woman, with whom Don reportedly has a past romantic connection.
As the confrontation escalated, William alleged that Don brandished a tan handgun, aimed it at him, and threatened, “I don’t care who your daddy is, I’ll kill you right here.” The police affidavit, which has been reviewed by various news outlets, remained unclear about the familial relationship between the two men, though both share the same last name.
Reports indicate that Don Roberts III approached William, subsequently striking him on the right side of the head with the firearm, which led to mild swelling. Fortunately, William declined medical treatment immediately following the attack. Instead of reporting the incident right away, he made the decision to leave the scene and return home to his family.
Concerns over safety were a significant factor in William’s delay in contacting law enforcement. As outlined in the affidavit, he expressed fear after the incident, which likely hampered his immediate response. Sadly, there is no city camera footage to corroborate his account of events.
Police responded to the situation following William’s report and arrested Don Roberts III on the 16th of October. He faces serious charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without the intent to kill and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Following the arrest, Don was released on a bond set at $50,000 just a few days later, with a court appearance scheduled for the 10th of November.
William Roberts III, only 18 years old, is one of five children of Rick Ross, born to his ex-partner Tia Kemp in 2005. The incident has understandably garnered significant media attention, not only due to Rick Ross’s fame but also because of the alarming nature of the allegations involved.
In light of the situation, queries have been directed to Don’s legal representative as well as to Bethune-Cookman University to gather further insights or comments regarding the incident. The university has thus far remained silent on the matter, leaving many questions unanswered.
As the legal process unfolds, this incident serves as a broader reminder of the need to ensure safety and security within educational environments. Concerns highlighted by William’s experience may prompt the university to reassess security measures on campus to protect its students and prevent similar occurrences in the future.