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Atlanta Falcons running back James Pearce Jr., a 2025 first-round pick, has been indicted on three counts by the Miami-Dade (Florida) County Attorney for a February 7 incident involving WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
Court documents state that Pearce has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, fleeing and eluding police and resisting an officer with violence on his person, all felonies.
A fourth count of aggravated fraud was changed to a misdemeanor, and a charge of harassment of a law enforcement officer was dismissed.
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Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. warms up before the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium Nov. 2, 2025. (Brian Fluharty/Imagn Images)
Pearce, a Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist after a successful 2025 season with the Falcons, was arrested near Miami last month after allegedly fleeing police and crashing his car after what police called a domestic violence incident with Jackson, a 2024 All-Rookie of the Year team with the Los Angeles Sparks.
Jackson was the fourth overall pick of the WNBA Draft out of Tennessee, and has had success early in her career.
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Pearce is accused of crashing his car into another car driven by Jackson and hitting a police officer while trying to flee from law enforcement, ESPN reported, citing a criminal complaint from the Miami-Dade state attorney’s office.
Jackson told police he noticed Pearce was following him in a white luxury car, and when he stopped at a red light, the Falcons rookie tried to start his car. Jackson said he started driving towards the Doral Police Department and Pearce was said to be following him. When he approached the police station, he said Pearce cut him off and bumped his head.
It is reported that the officer pulled a gun on Pearce when Doral authorities responded to the incident and tried to force him to get down. However, he is said to have returned to his car and rammed it.
After crashing his car and being accused of resisting arrest, Pearce spent a night in jail before posting $20,500 bond and being released on Feb. 8.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium Dec. 21, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
Jackson has filed a protective order against Pearce in Miami-Dade County. He wrote that he fears for his life, and if the court does not intervene, “James will kill me.”
Jackson also alleged that Pearce was verbally and physically abused on more than one occasion. He said he threatened to kill, harm and harm her, according to court documents.
Pearce’s lawyers said last month that their client “maintains his innocence and urges the public to understand that while allegations have the power to shape the narrative, it is not the full, complete story.”
“We look forward to vigorously defending our client and remain confident that he will continue to contribute positively to his team and the community he serves,” the attorneys added at the time.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. is interviewed after the game against the New Orleans Saints Jan. 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik, File)
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A permanent hearing is scheduled for April 21 after the court initially granted Jackson’s request for protection. Pearce is not allowed to have contact with Jackson or be within 500 meters of his home or workplace or 100 meters from his car.
Pearce played in all 17 games for the Falcons, collecting 10½ sacks, 26 combined tackles and five passes defensed.
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