Trending Now - Falcons' James Pearce Jr. Faces Three Felony Charges
WHO:
James Pearce Jr., 22 years old, Atlanta Falcons edge rusher
Rickea Jackson, WNBA player for the Los Angeles Sparks, fourth overall pick of the 2024 WNBA Draft
James Pearce Jr., Atlanta Falcons edge rusher
Rickea Jackson, WNBA player for the Los Angeles Sparks
Miami-Dade (Florida) State Attorney
Doral Police Department
WHAT:
Pearce was charged with three felonies: aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence.
A fourth charge of felony aggravated stalking was changed to a misdemeanor.
Jackson indicated in a court filing that she is willing to testify against Pearce at trial.
Pearce's attorneys stated, "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."
Pearce was charged with three felonies: aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence to his or her person.
A fourth charge of felony aggravated stalking was changed to a misdemeanor.
An arrest charge of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer was dropped.
Pearce allegedly followed Jackson's vehicle and collided with it multiple times.
Pearce was arrested and spent a night in jail before posting a $20,500 bond on February 8th, 2026.
Jackson filed an injunction for a protective order against Pearce on February 9th, 2026.
WHERE:
Incident occurred near Miami, Florida.
Doral Police Department, Florida.
Miami-Dade County, Florida.
WHEN:
Pearce was arrested on February 7th, 2026, and spent that night in jail before being released on February 8th, 2026.
Incident occurred on February 7th, 2026.
Pearce was released from jail on February 8th, 2026.
Jackson filed for a protective order on February 9th, 2026.
A permanent injunction hearing is scheduled for April 21st, 2026.
WHY:
Jackson alleged that Pearce "verbally and physically abused me on more than one occasion" and threatened to kill, harm, and injure her.
The charges stem from an alleged domestic violence incident involving Jackson.
HOW:
Pearce allegedly followed Jackson's car for an extended period, intentionally colliding with both her front and rear bumpers, and attempted to block her access to a Doral police department building.
Pearce allegedly followed Jackson in a white luxury vehicle, attempted to open her car door at a red light, and collided with her vehicle as she tried to reach the police station.
After being confronted by police, Pearce fled in his vehicle, leading to a chase before crashing and attempting to escape on foot.
(UPDATED March 13, 2026 07:15 UTC)
In a developing story, Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has been charged with three felonies, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, following his arrest on February 7. WNBA player Rickea Jackson, who was the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft, has indicated she is willing to testify against Pearce, alleging that he verbally and physically abused her and threatened her life. Pearce's attorneys have expressed confidence in defending him, stating he will continue to contribute positively to his team and community.
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(UPDATED March 13, 2026 03:43 UTC)
In a troubling incident near Miami, Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has been charged with three felonies, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and fleeing from police, after allegedly following WNBA player Rickea Jackson and colliding with her vehicle multiple times on February 7. Pearce was arrested and spent a night in jail before posting a $20,500 bond, while Jackson filed for a protective order against him just a day later. A permanent injunction hearing is set for April 21, as the situation unfolds following these serious allegations stemming from an alleged domestic violence incident.