Why was James Pearce Jr arrested? What we know about Falcons Linebacker’s legal trouble

An explosive off-field incident has placed Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr., one of the NFL’s brightest young defensive stars, at the center of a serious criminal investigation following his arrest in Miami on Saturday.

According to Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez, officers responded to a reported domestic dispute involving a man and a woman near Doral Police Department headquarters. The situation escalated rapidly when the suspect—later identified as Pearce—allegedly fled the scene before officers could resolve the incident.

Police say the 22-year-old linebacker led officers on a pursuit that ended when his vehicle crashed near the intersection of Northwest 103rd Avenue and 66th Street. Pearce was subsequently taken into custody without further incident and placed in handcuffs at the scene.

Chief Lopez confirmed that the woman involved in the initial dispute was WNBA standout Rickea Jackson, a revelation that has intensified public and media attention around the case.

Serious Charges Filed

Jail records indicate that Pearce is facing multiple felony charges, including:

• Two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon

• One count of aggravated stalking

  
  
  

• One count of fleeing or eluding law enforcement with lights or sirens activated

Following his arrest, Pearce was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County. As of the latest update, his bond had not yet been set.

Authorities have not released further details about the nature of the alleged dispute or the circumstances leading to the charges. Local 10 News confirmed it has formally requested the full arrest report from the Doral Police Department.

A Stunning Fall Amid a Breakout NFL Career

The arrest comes at a pivotal moment in Pearce’s young career. Drafted in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, Pearce quickly established himself as a defensive force in his rookie season. He recorded 10.5 sacks—an exceptional debut that earned him runner-up honors for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

His sack total marked the most by a Falcons rookie since Micah Parsons’ breakout season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2021, placing Pearce in elite company and fueling expectations that he would become a cornerstone of Atlanta’s defense.

Now, those on-field achievements are being overshadowed by serious legal trouble that could have long-term consequences for his NFL future.

Falcons Respond Cautiously

In a brief statement released after news of the arrest became public, the Atlanta Falcons acknowledged the situation but refrained from further comment.

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

The NFL has not yet indicated whether it will place Pearce on the Commissioner’s Exempt List or take disciplinary action pending the outcome of the case.

What Comes Next

With charges now filed and an investigation ongoing, Pearce’s immediate future remains uncertain. Legal experts note that the severity of the allegations—particularly those involving violence and fleeing police—could carry significant legal and professional ramifications if substantiated.

As law enforcement continues its investigation and additional details emerge, all eyes will be on how the case unfolds—and how both the Falcons and the NFL respond to a situation that has transformed one of the league’s most promising young defenders into the subject of national scrutiny.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is James Pearce Jr.?
James Pearce Jr. is a professional NFL linebacker who plays for the Atlanta Falcons. He was selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft and was the runner-up for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Why was James Pearce Jr. arrested in Miami?
According to Doral police, Pearce was arrested following a reported domestic dispute and an alleged police chase that ended in a vehicle crash.

Who was involved in the reported domestic dispute?
Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez confirmed that the woman involved in the dispute was WNBA player Rickea Jackson.

What charges is James Pearce Jr. facing?
Jail records list two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, one count of aggravated stalking, and one count of fleeing or eluding police with lights or sirens.

Did James Pearce Jr. flee from police?
Police allege that Pearce fled the scene of the reported dispute and later led officers on a pursuit before crashing his vehicle.

Was anyone seriously injured in the incident?
Authorities have not released details indicating serious injuries. Additional information is expected once the arrest report is made public.

Where is James Pearce Jr. being held?
Pearce was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County. His bond had not been set at the time of reporting.

Has James Pearce Jr. been convicted of any crime?
No. At this stage, Pearce has only been charged. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

How has the Atlanta Falcons responded to the arrest?
The Falcons issued a statement acknowledging the incident and said they are gathering more information, declining further comment due to the ongoing legal process.

Could this affect James Pearce Jr.’s NFL career?
Yes. Depending on the outcome of the legal process, the NFL and the Atlanta Falcons could take disciplinary action, including suspension or placement on the Commissioner’s Exempt List.