Atlanta Falcons defender James Pearce Jr charged with three felonies
Atlanta Falcons defender James Pearce Jr has been charged with three felonies by Miami-Dade prosecutors following an alleged vehicular altercation with WNBA player Rickea Jackson and a subsequent police chase on 7 February.
The 22-year-old faces charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence.
A fourth initial arrest charge of felony aggravated stalking has been reduced to a misdemeanour by the Florida State Attorney.
Police pursuit and arrest
Court documents allege the edge rusher followed his ex-girlfriend’s car before repeatedly using his own vehicle to collide with hers.
The Los Angeles Sparks forward was attempting to reach the Doral police station in Florida when the alleged ramming occurred.
After being confronted by law enforcement, the American footballer allegedly initiated a vehicle pursuit before crashing at a nearby intersection.
He is accused of fleeing the crash scene on foot and subsequently resisting officers with violence before being subdued.
The defender spent a night in a county correctional centre before paying a $20,500 bond for his release on 8 February.
Protective injunction granted
Jackson filed a petition for a protective order in Miami-Dade County the day after the player’s release.
The basketball star wrote in her court filing that she feared for her life without immediate judicial intervention.
“James will kill me.”
She alleged the NFL player had verbally and physically abused her on multiple occasions.
The filing claims he threatened to harm her and stated he would place a bag over her head.
A temporary protection order was granted, mandating the Falcons player remains at least 500 feet from her home and workplace.
A permanent injunction hearing has been scheduled by the court for 21 April.
NFL and ongoing investigations
Police records reveal officers responded to a minimum of seven other emergency calls involving the couple between November and the day of the arrest.
Attorneys representing both athletes have not yet responded to media requests for comment.
An NFL spokesperson confirmed the league is actively reviewing the situation.
“We continue to monitor all developments in the matter which remains under review of the personal conduct policy.”
The Atlanta Falcons organisation has formally declined to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings.
