A Florida man, Roman Rawicki, 50, has been arrested after allegedly attacking a woman who mistakenly wandered onto his property. Rawicki is facing multiple felony charges, including two counts of attempted first-degree murder, false imprisonment, child neglect, and discharging a firearm into a residential area.
The Incident Unfolds
The incident took place on Sunday when an unnamed woman, while following someone to their home, lost her way and ended up at Rawicki’s residence in the 2000 block of Clover Street Northeast. Realizing she was at the wrong address, she attempted to leave but was spotted by Rawicki, who allegedly attacked her.
Attack and Physical Confrontation
According to a probable cause affidavit, Rawicki confronted the woman in his driveway, physically restraining her by twisting her arm behind her back. The woman called for help, and the person she was following arrived to assist.
At this point, Rawicki reportedly threw the woman to the ground, ending the physical altercation temporarily.
Shooting at Victims’ Vehicle
After the confrontation, Rawicki retreated into his home, grabbed a gun, and came back outside. He allegedly fired at the fleeing vehicle, hitting it multiple times as the two victims drove away. They later reported feeling projectiles hitting their vehicle.
Rawicki’s Defense and Police Findings
When questioned by the police, Rawicki claimed that he believed the woman was a prostitute and that he acted out of fear for his wife’s safety. He admitted to shooting at the vehicle out of concern for his family’s well-being.
However, video footage from the scene contradicted his account, showing the woman approaching in a non-threatening manner.
Child Neglect Allegations
Rawicki was not alone during the confrontation. His wife and children were also at the residence and witnessed the attack. According to investigators, the children were reportedly frightened during the incident, and Rawicki’s actions could have endangered them. The gunshots were fired near the children’s vehicle, putting them at risk.
Victim’s Injuries and Property Damage
The woman sustained bruises to her arm and wrist, and her bracelet was broken off during the altercation. Her vehicle was damaged by the gunshots, including a flat tire and bullet marks on the bumper. Seventeen bullet casings were found near the scene.
Legal Consequences
If convicted of the attempted first-degree murder charges, Rawicki faces the possibility of spending the rest of his life in prison. He had his initial court appearance on Monday for the attempted murder charges, with another appearance for child neglect charges later in the week. The timing of his next hearing is still unclear.
