The allegations behind Rick Ross’ arrest are now much more detailed than the initial battery charges suggested. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by CBS News Miami, a woman who had been in a relationship with Ross for roughly a year told police he repeatedly struck her inside his Star Island home on August 28 and restricted her breathing during an argument that began over an Instagram photo.
The woman said Ross woke her around 7:44 a.m. after seeing that she had been tagged in a picture online. According to the affidavit, he accused her of lying about another relationship and allegedly slapped her in the face. The confrontation later moved into a bathroom, where she told investigators Ross hit her in the chest and grabbed the collar of her hoodie tightly enough to choke her.
Police say the alleged violence escalated from there. The woman accused Ross of grabbing her by the ponytail and slamming her against a wall before striking her in the face hard enough to split her lip. She also alleged that he pushed her onto the floor, turned on the shower, and tried to spray her with the shower head. According to the affidavit, she eventually was able to get out of the bathroom and later gathered her belongings after Ross left the property.
Read More: Ella Langley, Mariah Carey, & The End Of The Unavoidable Hit Era
Police Say Photos And Surveillance Supported Probable Cause
Investigators said the woman later gave a sworn statement and provided timestamped photographs of her injuries. CBS News Miami reports police also reviewed surveillance footage from the home that showed a friend arriving to pick her up and being turned away. The affidavit notes that Ross later posted a photo to Instagram showing that friend arriving at the property.
The allegations closely resemble claims Jazzma Kendrick made publicly days before Ross surrendered to police. Kendrick posted photos showing injuries to her mouth and accused her former boyfriend of physical abuse. She later thanked supporters and warned women not to remain in relationships after violence. Police have not publicly confirmed that Kendrick is the woman identified in the criminal case.
Meanwhile, Ross turned himself in Thursday (Oct. 1) and was charged with felony battery by strangulation and misdemeanor battery. A judge found probable cause and set his total bond at $5,000 before ordering him to stay away from the alleged victim and surrender any firearms. He was released later that morning and made a statement about the allegations.
“First and foremost, I’m totally innocent of the fabricated allegations made against myself,” Ross said after his release. His attorney, Bradley Horenstein, also denied the claims and urged people to allow the legal process to play out.
The affidavit now gives a clearer picture of what prosecutors and police say happened inside the home that morning. Ross has pleaded not guilty, and his arraignment is scheduled for October 22.
Read More: Rick Ross Arrested For Alleged Battery In Miami
