Atlanta Falcons pass rusher James Pearce Jr. has been in police custody in Miami-Dade County since Saturday.
The 22-year-old NFL star was arrested on two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated stalking, according to court records.
The linebacker is also accused of hit-and-run, assaulting a police officer and resisting an officer without using force. He was taken to Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center at 6:58 p.m. local time.
Domestic incident involving NFL star and WNBA player
The domestic incident involved an argument between Pearce and star WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
Police describe chase involving NFL star
Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez said Pearce fled after a domestic dispute, chased and crashed his car. “After the accident, we were able to arrest him,” Lopez said.
Short reaction from the Atlanta Falcons
“We are aware of the incident in Miami. We are gathering information and do not comment on ongoing proceedings,” the franchise said in a written statement. There were no further comments.
Pearce has been impressive in terms of sport so far: The 26th pick of the 2025 draft landed in third place in the AP voting for Defensive Rookie of the Year and achieved 10.5 sacks last season – the best rookie value since Micah Parsons in 2024.
