Palm Bay, FL – A 50-year-old man in Florida has been arrested on multiple charges after police say he physically assaulted a woman and fired 17 shots at her and another person, all because she mistakenly approached his home while trying to find a friend’s house.
Incident Details
According to the Palm Bay Police Department, Roman Rawicki was arrested this week and charged with:
Attempted murder
False imprisonment
Battery
Criminal mischief
Discharging a firearm on residential property
The incident occurred on Sunday in Palm Bay, roughly 75 miles southeast of Orlando.
Woman Mistakenly Approached Wrong House
The woman, identified in the arrest affidavit as TP, told police she was following an acquaintance—identified as WP—to their home for the first time when she got lost and accidentally pulled into Rawicki’s driveway.
As she walked up the driveway and realized she was at the wrong address, she said Rawicki grabbed her, twisting her arm behind her back in an arm lock and refusing to let her go. The affidavit says TP was able to call WP, who quickly ran to help her.
Suspect Fires 17 Rounds at Victims
Rawicki allegedly threw the woman to the ground, went inside, retrieved a firearm, and fired 17 shots at the pair as they tried to leave in TP’s vehicle. Police later confirmed the vehicle was struck multiple times and 17 shell casings were found at the scene.
Suspect Claimed Self-Defense
Rawicki reportedly told police that he believed the woman was a sex worker and claimed he acted out of fear for his wife’s safety. However, police reviewed surveillance footage, which showed the woman approaching calmly and non-threateningly.
Rawicki also called 911 and admitted to being the shooter, noting that he had a “no soliciting” sign on his property. He acknowledged during the call that the woman had gone to his home by mistake.
Injuries and Vehicle Damage
The woman sustained bruises on her arm and wrist, and her bracelet was broken during the physical altercation. Her vehicle also suffered damage, including a flat tire, caused by the gunfire.
Legal Consequences and Release
Rawicki was released on bond on Wednesday under strict conditions, including:
No contact with the two victims
No possession of firearms, weapons, or ammunition
Attempts to contact Rawicki and his attorney for comment were unsuccessful as of this writing.
