NFL first-round pick James Pearce arrested for aggravated battery and stalking of WNBA star girlfriend after wild police chase ends in crash

Atlanta Falcons rookie linebacker James Pearce Jr., a standout first-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft, was arrested Saturday night in South Florida following a dramatic incident involving an alleged domestic dispute, a high-speed police chase, and a crash.

According to Doral police and court records, the 22-year-old Pearce—who led the Falcons with 10.5 sacks in his impressive rookie season and finished third in NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting—was taken into custody after fleeing the scene of a reported domestic altercation with his girlfriend, WNBA forward Rickea Jackson of the Los Angeles Sparks.

The episode began around 6:58 p.m. local time when officers responded to a call regarding a domestic dispute between a man and a woman in the Miami-Dade area. Police Chief Edwin Lopez confirmed the individuals involved were Pearce and Jackson. After the initial confrontation, Pearce allegedly fled the location, prompting officers to pursue him.

The chase ended when Pearce crashed his vehicle at the intersection of Northwest 103rd Avenue and 66th Street. He was apprehended at the scene and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.Pearce faces serious charges, including:

• Two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon (designated as domestic violence)

• One count of aggravated stalking (domestic violence)

• Fleeing or eluding police with lights and sirens activated

• Aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer

• Resisting an officer without violence

Reports indicate the aggravated battery charges stem from allegations that Pearce used his vehicle as a deadly weapon, including intentionally ramming into Jackson's car multiple times to prevent her from reaching a police station, and striking a police officer during the escape attempt. Some accounts describe the incident as Pearce being "lucky to be alive" after driving into an officer.

The couple had publicly appeared together earlier in 2025, though Jackson announced their separation in September ahead of Pearce's NFL debut season.

The arrest marks a stunning turn for Pearce, whom the Falcons traded up to select with the 26th overall pick in 2025 out of Tennessee. His on-field performance earned praise across the league, but the off-field allegations have drawn immediate scrutiny and disappointment from fans and analysts.

No bond has been set as of early Sunday, and the Falcons organization has not yet issued a public statement on the matter. The case remains under investigation, with domestic violence designations underscoring the gravity of the accusations.

This developing story has sent shockwaves through the NFL community, especially given Pearce's recent high-profile recognition at the NFL Honors event just days prior. Further details are expected as authorities release more information.

17GEN4.com