Atlanta Falcons defensive standout James Pearce Jr. was arrested Saturday in South Florida on a series of serious charges stemming from what law enforcement described as a domestic dispute and ensuing police encounter.
Details of the Arrest
According to Miami-Dade County jail records and police reports, Pearce, 22, was taken into custody in Doral, Florida, after officers were dispatched to investigate a reported dispute between a man and a woman.
Pearce is facing multiple felony charges, including:
Two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon
Aggravated stalking
Fleeing and eluding police officers
Aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer
Resisting an officer without violence to his person
Officials say the incident escalated when Pearce fled the scene in his vehicle and crashed during a police pursuit.
Jail records indicate that he was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center late Saturday. At the time of reporting, bond had not been set on all charges.
Connection to Domestic Dispute
Local media and police sources identified WNBA player Rickea Jackson as the woman involved in the dispute that prompted the police response.
Jackson is a forward for the Los Angeles Sparks and a former top draft pick in the WNBA.
Police said the dispute was between Pearce and Jackson when officers arrived.
According to some reports, Pearce allegedly struck his ex-girlfriend’s vehicle with his car in an attempt to prevent her from reaching a police station prior to the pursuit.
The full circumstances around the alleged actions are still under investigation and have not been fully corroborated in public court filings.
Falcons’ Response
The Atlanta Falcons issued a brief statement acknowledging the arrest.
The team said it is gathering details and will not provide further comment due to the ongoing legal matter.
This incident unfolds with the NFL and the Falcons likely to review the matter under the league’s personal conduct and domestic violence policies, which could carry additional disciplinary consequences beyond the criminal charges.
Pearce’s Career Background
Drafted 26th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Pearce quickly became one of the Falcons’ most productive defensive players as a rookie.
He finished with 10.5 sacks, the most by a rookie since 2021, and placed third in Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
The arrest marks a sharp contrast to his on-field success and poses significant implications for Pearce’s future both legally and professionally.
Ongoing Developments
As of now, the investigation remains active and additional details — including any statements from Pearce or his legal representatives — have not been released publicly.
The court process for the charges will determine the next legal steps, while the Falcons and the NFL will monitor the situation under their respective conduct rules.
