A woman who was trying to visit a friend in Palm Bay, Florida, went to the wrong house and was shot at as she tried to leave, according to police.
Roman Rawicki, 50, faces charges including attempted murder, battery, false imprisonment, discharging a firearm on a residential property, and criminal mischief. The Palm Bay Police Department said the incident occurred around 10 p.m. on August 31.
According to an arrest affidavit from police, the woman was visiting her friend’s house for the first time when she mistakenly arrived at Rawicki’s residence. As she began walking up the driveway and realized her error, Rawicki—who was outside—confronted her.
Police allege that Rawicki grabbed the woman by the wrist and pinned her arm behind her back. The victim called out for her friend during the struggle; when her friend came over, Rawicki released his hold and threw her to the ground.
Investigators say Rawicki then entered his home and retrieved a gun while both women got into their car. He allegedly fired at them as they fled in their vehicle. Police recovered 17 shell casings in front of his home. No one was hit by gunfire.
“Rawicki called 911 on a recorded line where he confirmed he was the shooter, advising that he has a ‘no soliciting’ sign,” police wrote in the affidavit. “However, he also expressed understanding that (the woman) was at the wrong house by mistake.”
After being taken into custody, Rawicki told officers he thought the woman was a sex worker when she approached him in his driveway and said he attacked her “out of fear for his wife’s safety,” according to police statements.
The woman’s injuries included bruising on her arm and wrist from the altercation with Rawicki. Her vehicle also sustained damage from bullets; one tire went flat after being struck.
Records show that Rawicki bonded out of jail in Brevard County on September 3.
Palm Bay is located about 75 miles southeast of Orlando.
