Falcons’ James Pearce Jr. Arrested After Florida Domestic Dispute

DORAL (Azat TV) – Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. was arrested Saturday in Doral, Florida, following a domestic dispute involving Los Angeles Sparks star Rickea Jackson, which escalated into a police chase and a vehicle crash. Pearce, a standout rookie in the 2025 NFL season, now faces serious charges including two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing or eluding police with lights and siren, according to jail records.

Police officers initially responded to a reported dispute between a male and female at the Doral Police Department headquarters. Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez confirmed that the individuals involved were Pearce and Jackson. Authorities stated that Pearce, 22, fled the scene before crashing his vehicle at Northwest 103rd Avenue and 66th Street, where he was subsequently arrested by police.

Details of the Doral Incident and Police Pursuit

The incident began with a domestic dispute report that led law enforcement to the Doral Police Department headquarters. As officers attempted to intervene, James Pearce Jr. reportedly fled the scene in his vehicle. This initiated a police chase through Doral, which concluded when Pearce crashed his car. He was then taken into custody and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County on Saturday evening, February 7, 2026. His bond has not yet been set, as officials continue to process the case.

Serious Charges and Legal Implications for James Pearce Jr.

The charges against Pearce are significant, encompassing multiple felonies. He faces two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, which in Florida typically involves causing great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement, or using a deadly weapon in the commission of a battery. The additional charge of aggravated stalking indicates a pattern of behavior causing substantial emotional distress. Furthermore, the charge of fleeing or eluding police with lights and siren stems from his attempt to evade law enforcement, which culminated in the car crash. These charges carry severe penalties and could have profound implications for his professional career.

Prominent Athletes Involved: Pearce and Jackson

James Pearce Jr., 22, was a highly touted prospect selected by the Falcons with the No. 26 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He quickly made an impact in his rookie season, recording 10.5 sacks through 17 games, which was the most by a Falcons rookie since Micah Parsons in 2021. Pearce placed third in voting for the 2025 Defensive Rookie of the Year award, solidifying his status as one of the league’s rising stars.

Rickea Jackson, 25, is a prominent player for the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA. She was drafted with the No. 4 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and averaged 14.7 points through 38 games in her second professional season. Pearce and Jackson have been publicly linked in the past, with Jackson seen supporting Pearce during the 2025 NFL Draft. However, according to On3, Jackson confirmed the couple’s split in September 2025.

Atlanta Falcons Issue Statement

In response to the arrest, the Atlanta Falcons released a statement acknowledging the situation. ‘We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr., in Miami,’ the Falcons said, according to NFL Network. ‘We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time.’ The team’s statement reflects a standard procedure for professional sports organizations when a player faces legal issues, indicating an ongoing internal review while deferring to the legal process.

The serious nature of the charges, coupled with the police chase and the involvement of two high-profile professional athletes, underscores the immediate and significant legal challenges James Pearce Jr. now faces, potentially impacting his promising NFL career and the public image of both the Falcons and the WNBA.