The Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. was recently arrested in Miami-Dade County because of what police described as a domestic dispute involving the WNBA star Rickea Jackson. And that incident quickly drew widespread attention from the world. What was initially reported as a domestic dispute involving Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. has now escalated into a shocking story of a high-speed chase and alleged assault, with new details painting a grim picture for the rookie’s future.

According to a criminal complaint obtained by ESPN from the Miami-Dade County state attorney’s office, Pearce allegedly crashed his vehicle into one being driven by Jackson multiple times and struck a police officer while attempting to evade arrest on Saturday in Florida.

He was arrested on five felony charges, including two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, and fleeing and eluding police. Pearce also faces a misdemeanor count of resisting an officer without violence, but he was released on Sunday night from the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center after posting a $20,500 bond.

According to the reports, Jackson told police she noticed Pearce following her vehicle in a white Lamborghini SUV, and when she stopped at a red light, Pearce allegedly exited his vehicle and attempted to open the driver’s side door of her car. Jackson then accelerated away and began driving toward the Doral Police Department.

As per the affidavit, James Pearce reentered his vehicle and continued following her. At that time, Jackson told officers that Pearce “intentionally collided into the rear of her vehicle.”

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Near an intersection close to the police station, she said Pearce cut her off and, as she attempted to reverse to avoid him, collided with her car head-on. Photographs of Jackson’s vehicle reportedly showed damage consistent with her account.

When the officers reached the scene, they observed Pearce standing outside his SUV. When ordered to get on the ground at gunpoint, Pearce allegedly reentered the vehicle, shut the door, and drove away. During the attempted escape, the SUV struck an officer in the left knee, which the affidavit describes as intentional and done “in an attempt to evade arrest.”

The officers then pursued James Pearce until he crashed at an intersection. However, after crashing his SUV, he then fled on foot before officers apprehended him. The affidavit states he resisted arrest by tensing his arms and refusing to comply. Pearce was later evaluated on the scene and transported to Jackson West Medical Center before being taken into custody.

As per reports, Jackson further revealed that she and Pearce had dated for approximately three years but recently ended their relationship. She said she blocked his phone number, though he allegedly continued contacting her from an alternate number. Authorities reviewed text messages Jackson provided, including one sent Friday afternoon in which she told Pearce to leave her alone.

James Pearce’s Legal Team Responds as NFL Reviews Matter

James Pearce’s legal team is composed of Jacob Nunez, Yale Sanford, and Joshua Cohen, who recently released a statement addressing the charges.

“We look forward to working with the State Attorney’s Office in fully investigating this case and uncovering the truth,” the attorneys said. “Mr. Pearce maintains his innocence and urges the public to understand that while allegations have the power to shape a narrative, that it is hardly the full, complete story. We look forward to vigorously defending our Client and remain confident that he will continue contributing positively to both his team and the community he serves so well.”

The NFL also confirmed it is reviewing the matter under its personal conduct policy.

“We have been in contact with the club regarding the matter, which will be reviewed under the personal conduct policy,” NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said, as the Falcons are “in the process of gathering more information.”

James Pearce was picked by the Falcons as the No. 26 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and finished third in AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting with 10.5 sacks.

With the investigation still ongoing and no further details released publicly, the fans are focusing on Rickea Jackson’s well-being right now.