Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. Is facing three felony charges and one misdemeanor stemming from an incident involving Los Angeles Sparks guard Rickea Jackson, the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office announced Thursday.
Pearce, 22, has been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence, all felonies. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of stalking, according to court documents. An earlier felony charge of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer was dropped.
The charges relate to an incident on February 7 in Dade County, Florida, where Pearce allegedly followed Jackson’s vehicle and intentionally collided with both her front and rear bumpers as she attempted to reach the Doral Police Department, according to an arrest affidavit. Jackson had reportedly told Pearce to “leave her alone” and blocked his phone number, prompting him to utilize another phone to continue contacting her.
Following the alleged collision, Pearce fled the scene in his vehicle, leading police on a chase before crashing at an intersection. He then fled on foot before being subdued by officers and allegedly resisting arrest. He was initially held on $20,500 bond and released the following day.
Jackson filed for a protective order against Pearce on February 9, stating in court documents that she feared for her life. She alleged a history of verbal and physical abuse, including threats to kill or harm her. A court granted her initial request for protection, ordering Pearce to stay 500 feet away from her home and place of employment, and 100 feet from her vehicle. A permanent injunction hearing is scheduled for April 21.
The Atlanta Falcons released a statement acknowledging the arrest but declined to comment further, citing the ongoing legal investigation.
Pearce was drafted by the Falcons in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft after playing college football at the University of Tennessee. In his rookie season, he recorded 26 tackles, and 10.5 sacks, earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
