Falcons’ James Pearce Jr. Arrested After Police Chase and Crash Following Alleged Domestic Dispute Involving WNBA Star Rickea Jackson

Falcons’ James Pearce Jr. Arrested After Police Chase and Crash Following Alleged Domestic Dispute Involving WNBA Star Rickea Jackson

Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. was arrested Saturday night following a chaotic scene involving a domestic dispute, a police chase, and a crash in Doral, Florida, law enforcement confirms. The 22-year-old — a first-round pick and standout defensive rookie — now faces a series of serious felony charges that could derail his rising NFL career.

According to police, officers were initially dispatched to respond to a reported dispute between Pearce and a female companion, identified by authorities as WNBA player Rickea Jackson of the Los Angeles Sparks, before Pearce reportedly fled the scene.

Police say Pearce took off in his vehicle, leading officers on a chase through the Miami-Dade area that ended when he crashed his car at a local intersection. He was then taken into custody and booked into Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center — and as of Sunday morning, no bond had been set.

Court records obtained by news outlets show Pearce now faces two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing or eluding police — and additional alleged offenses including aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest are also being reported.

The Falcons released a short statement acknowledging the incident and saying the team is “gathering more information” while declining additional comment due to the ongoing legal matter.

Pearce burst onto the league in 2025 after being selected 26th overall and ended his rookie season with 10.5 sacks, finishing third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. The former Tennessee standout’s season was one of the most exciting debuts in recent franchise history — a stark contrast to the serious trouble he now faces off the field.