Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. was arrested on Saturday in South Florida, facing multiple serious charges including two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing police, according to official police reports. The arrest followed a domestic altercation involving Rickea Jackson, a prominent player for the Los Angeles Sparks.
Details of Incident and Police Response
The 23-year-old Pearce fled the scene of the dispute but crashed his vehicle near Northwest 103rd Avenue and 66th Street in Doral. Police Chief Edwin Lopez confirmed that Pearce was apprehended at the crash site and subsequently taken into custody. He was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County, with bond set at $20,500. A pre-trial order requires Pearce to maintain distance from Jackson pending legal proceedings.
Official Statement from the Falcons Organization
The Atlanta Falcons acknowledged the incident in a brief statement:
“
We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr. in Miami,
”
the team said.
“We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time.”
Pearce’s Athletic Background and Draft Profile
Pearce was the Falcons’ first-round selection, taken 26th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft after the team traded up with the Los Angeles Rams. In his rookie season, Pearce led all rookies with 10.5 sacks, finishing with a total of 26 tackles—17 of those solo—along with 10 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. Before entering the NFL, Pearce played college football at Tennessee.
Implications and Next Steps
This arrest introduces significant uncertainty surrounding Pearce’s legal situation and future with the Falcons. The charges carry serious consequences, and the outcome of the case will likely impact both his career and public image. The Falcons and local authorities will continue to monitor developments as the investigation proceeds.
#Falcons edge James Pearce Jr. was arrested on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon (two counts), aggravated stalking and fleeing/eluding police. @WPLGLocal10 reports Pearce was arrested after crashing his vehicle following a police chase. pic.twitter.com/ufokgxfQcJ
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 8, 2026
#Falcons statement: “We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr., in Miami. We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time.”
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) February 8, 2026
