James Pearce Jr., Atlanta Falcons
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James Pearce Jr. attends L.A Sparks vs. Atlanta Dream game.
As the Atlanta Falcons are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft, they’re also being reminded just how costly last year’s draft decision may have become after selecting linebacker James Pearce Jr.
Pearce, who Atlanta acquired by trading away their 2026 first round pick to the Los Angeles Rams with last year to move back into the first round at No. 26 overall, was arrested in early February following a reported domestic incident involving ex-girlfriend and WNBA player Rickea Jackson in Doral, Florida.
Pearce now faces five felony charges. Jackson’s attorneys have since indicated that she is “willing to testify” with a trial pending.
A new report from ESPN’s Michael Rothstein and Marc Raimondi adds additional, yet perhaps concerning new information to the events leading up to the February incident.
Police Reports Show Multiple Calls Before Falcons LB James Pearce Jr. Arrest
According to ESPN’s reporting, multiple calls to police were made in the weeks leading up to Pearce’s arrest, suggesting growing concerns at a residence connected to the situation in Doral.
Police records obtained by ESPN show that officers were dispatched to the home of Pearce’s on-again, off-again girlfriend several times between November and early February. The individuals involved were not publicly identified in the documents because large portions of the reports were redacted.
One of the incidents occurred on Nov. 24, when officers responded to a domestic disturbance call after Pearce allegedly arrived at the residence late at night and repeatedly attempted to make contact. By the time officers arrived, he had already left the area.
This would have been the night after the Falcons defeated the Saints, 24-10, in New Orleans, where Pearce recorded 1.5 sacks.
Police were called again just hours later when the woman reportedly feared Pearce might return to the property.
In another reported incident on Jan. 28, the resident told officers she was afraid after damage appeared on a door at the home. According to the police report cited by ESPN, she did not want Pearce entering the residence and ultimately chose to leave and stay at a hotel to avoid further conflict.
Earlier that same day, officers also responded to a burglary-in-progress call at the same location. A woman identified in the report as “Ms. Jackson” told police she believed Pearce had been there but had already left before officers arrived.
Roughly two weeks before the February incident that led to Pearce’s arrest, police reportedly encountered him outside the residence and advised him to leave and not return.
Arrest Incident Led to Multiple Felony Charges For James Pearce Jr.
The situation ultimately escalated on Feb. 7 when police say Pearce followed Jackson in his vehicle while she was driving in Doral.
According to the police report cited by ESPN, Jackson told officers that Pearce attempted to open her car door while she was stopped at a red light. She then attempted to drive toward the Doral Police Department for safety.
Jackson told police that Pearce allegedly rammed her vehicle from behind and then blocked her car before colliding with it again when she tried to escape.
When officers arrived, Pearce was reportedly outside the vehicle. Police say he got back inside the SUV and attempted to drive away while officers were trying to detain him.
Authorities say the vehicle crashed during the pursuit and Pearce then attempted to flee on foot before being apprehended.
Pearce now faces two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, fleeing and eluding police, and aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, along with several traffic citations.
His attorneys released a statement after the arrest saying Pearce “maintains his innocence.”