Rickea Jackson files protective order against Falcons’ James Pearce
Los Angeles Sparks player Rickea Jackson has filed a petition for protection against Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr, detailing a history of alleged abuse and a high-speed car chase in Florida.
Court documents reveal the 24-year-old stated she was in fear for her life and believed her ex-boyfriend would kill her without judicial intervention.
The filing follows a severe incident on 7 February, which culminated in the NFL defender’s arrest on multiple battery and stalking charges.
High-speed pursuit and police intervention
The WNBA star detailed a harrowing sequence of events where she noticed her former partner following her vehicle as she drove home.
Fearing for her safety, the Los Angeles forward diverted towards a Doral police station while contacting emergency services.
She alleges the 22-year-old chased her at high speeds, blocked her car at a traffic light, and attempted to force his way inside before jumping onto the roof of her vehicle.
The pursuit reportedly continued with the American football player repeatedly striking her car in an attempt to spin it out of control.
Protection order and felony charges
Upon reaching the police station, Jackson flagged down an officer just as her pursuer allegedly rammed his vehicle into hers once again.
Initial incident reports state the Atlanta player then struck a law enforcement officer with his car before crashing and fleeing on foot.
He was subsequently apprehended and now faces five felony charges, including two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated stalking.
A temporary protection order has been granted, barring him from contacting the basketball player or coming within 500 feet of her home.
Alleged threats and financial offers
In her petition, Jackson disclosed that the physical and verbal abuse occurred on multiple occasions after she attempted to end their relationship.
“James verbally and physically abused me on more than one occasion.”
She also claimed he had previously threatened to place a bag over her head and cause her serious harm.
The court filing notes that in the hours preceding the February chase, he allegedly offered her up to $200,000 to remain in a relationship with him.
A permanent injunction hearing is scheduled for 21 April, while the Atlanta Falcons have declined to comment on the ongoing legal matter.