Falcons’ Pearce allegedly hit officer and crashed into WNBA star Jackson’s car prior to arrest | Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr., who was arrested Saturday on five charges, allegedly punched a police officer while evading arrest and crashed into a vehicle driven by WNBA player Rickea Jackson, ESPN reported Monday.
According to the criminal complaint obtained by ESPN from the Miami-Dade County District Attorney’s Office, the charges against Pearce include aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated harassment and aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer.
The 22-year-old NFL rookie was released Sunday evening after posting $20,500 bail.
Jackson, a forward for the Los Angeles Sparks, told police that Pearce followed her in a Lamborghini SUV and tried to open her car door at a red light. Jackson left but Pearce continued to follow her as she walked towards a police station. Jackson told police that Pearce drove the back of his car near the police station, then crashed head-on into his car.
According to the affidavit, officers arrived on scene after Jackson called them and saw Pearce standing in front of his SUV. One of the officers pulled out his gun and ordered Pearce to get on the ground, but Pearce got into his car and closed the door. After the officer opened the car door, Pearce closed it and attempted to leave the scene.
Pearce’s SUV struck the knee of a police officer, an incident described in the affidavit as “intentionally in an attempt to evade arrest.”
After a pursuit, Pearce’s car crashed at an intersection, he exited the vehicle and began running. When the officers caught up with him, Pearce “began to resist arrest by holding out his arms and preventing the officers from apprehending him.” He was “triaged on site” and taken for medical treatment.
Jackson told police she had recently ended a three-year relationship with Pearce and blocked his number, but he continued to text her from another phone. She showed the messages to the police.
“We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr. in Miami,” the Falcons said in a statement Saturday evening. “We are in the process of gathering more information and will have no further comment on an open legal matter at this time.”
Atlanta selected Pearce with the 26th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Tennessee, which he attended alongside Jackson. He finished third in AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting this season.
