Rick Ross arrested after woman accuses rapper of battery and strangulation

Rapper Rick Ross was arrested in Miami on Thursday after a woman accused him of repeatedly striking her and restricting her breathing during an alleged domestic violence incident at his Star Island home in August.

Ross, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts II, voluntarily surrendered to Miami Beach police before being taken into custody, according to police. He was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center at 6:10 a.m.

The 50-year-old faces one felony count of battery by strangulation and one misdemeanor count of battery. The charges relate to an alleged incident on August 28 that was reported to police on September 29.

According to the arrest affidavit, Ross and the woman had been in a relationship for about a year and were living together.

The woman told investigators that Ross woke her at around 7:44 a.m. and allegedly slapped her after questioning her about an Instagram photo.

She later alleged that Ross struck her in the chest several times and restricted her breathing by grabbing and twisting the collar of her hoodie.

The affidavit further alleges that he grabbed her ponytail, slammed her against a wall and struck her in the face, causing a busted lip.

Police said the woman provided a sworn statement and timestamped photographs of her injuries. Investigators also reviewed surveillance footage from the residence.

Ross denied the allegations in a statement posted to Instagram.

"First and foremost, I'm totally innocent of the fabricated allegations made against myself. I repeat, I am totally innocent with these fabricated allegations," Ross said. "I have such an amazing team, and I'm totally confident that these fabricated allegations will be laid to rest."

His attorney, Bradley Horenstein, also denied the allegations and asked the public to allow the legal process to continue.

A judge found probable cause and set Ross' total bond at $5,000. He bonded out later Thursday. A stay-away order was issued involving the alleged victim, and Ross was ordered to surrender firearms. His arraignment is scheduled for October 22.