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Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. was arrested Saturday in South Florida on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon (two counts), aggravated stalking and fleeing and eluding police, police reports show.

Pearce, 23, fled the scene of a domestic dispute involving his ex-girlfriend, Los Angeles Sparks star Rickea Jackson, according to Doral police chief Edwin Lopez. The Falcons standout allegedly crashed his vehicle into Jackson's and struck a police officer with the vehicle while evading arrest. The incident occurred shortly after Pearce and Jackson ended their relationship, the latter said to police. Pearce repeatedly contacted Jackson up to Saturday's incident despite her blocking his phone number and requesting that he leave her alone.

Authorities booked Pearce into Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County. He posted a $20,500 bond and was released Sunday night with a pre-trial conditional stay-away order pertaining to Jackson.

Jackson told police that Pearce followed her vehicle in a white Lamborghini SUV, according to the criminal complaint. When she stopped at a red light, Pearce exited his SUV and attempted to open Jackson's driver's side door. Jackson drove off and toward the Doral Police Department, and Pearce continued to follow her, at one point colliding with the rear end of her vehicle. Pearce then cut Jackson off at an intersection near the police station and collided with her vehicle head-on when she attempted to get away.

When police arrived on the scene, an officer pulled a gun on Pearce and ordered him to get on the ground. Pearce, who was standing outside his SUV, re-entered the vehicle and closed the door. The officer opened the door, but Pearce closed it, locked it and fled the scene. While driving away, Pearce struck an officer in the left knee with his SUV.

Police said that Pearce later crashed at Northwest 103rd Avenue and 66th Street. He exited the SUV, fled the scene on foot and resisted arrest when police caught up to him and placed him in handcuffs.

"We look forward to working with the State Attorney's Office in fully investigating this case and uncovering the truth," Pearce's legal representation said in a statement to ESPN. "Mr. Pearce maintains his innocence and urges the public to understand that while allegations have the power to shape a narrative, that it is hardly the full, complete story. We look forward to vigorously defending our Client and remain confident that he will continue contributing positively to both his team and the community he serves so well."

Pearce, whom  the Falcons selected with the No. 26 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, recorded 10.5 sacks last season, which ranked No. 1 among all rookies in his class. He finished the 2025 season with 26 total tackles (17 solo), 10 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. The Falcons traded back up in the first round of the draft with the Los Angeles Rams last spring to select the former Tennessee product.

"We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr. in Miami," the Falcons said in a statement. We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time."