Atlanta Falcons Rookie James Pearce Jr. has been arrested in Florida on multiplefelony charges, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, according to a criminal complaint obtained by ESPN.

The incident reportedly involved WNBA player Rickea Jackson and an alleged attempt to evade arrest that resulted in a police officer being struck.

Pearce was taken into custody on Saturday but was released Sunday night after posting a $20,500 bond.

According to police reports, Jackson, who plays for the Los Angeles Sparks, said she noticed Pearce following her in a white Lamborghini SUV on Saturday morning.

She told officers that when she stopped at a red light, Pearce exited his vehicle and tried to open her driver’s side door.

Jackson said she drove away toward the Doral Police Department, but Pearce allegedly continued to follow her.

During the pursuit, she claimed Pearce intentionally rammed the rear of her vehicle and later cut her off near an intersection close to the police station.

When she attempted to reverse, he allegedly collided with her vehicle head-on. Police said photographs of Jackson’s vehicle showed damage consistent with her report.

Officers responded to Jackson’s call and found Pearce standing outside his SUV.

When an officer ordered him to get on the ground, Pearce allegedly reentered his vehicle, locked the doors, and drove away.

During his escape, police said his vehicle struck an officer in the knee. Officers pursued Pearce until he crashed at an intersection and fled on foot.

He was later apprehended after reportedly resisting arrest and was taken to a medical center before being transferred to custody.

Pearce now faces several serious charges, including two felony counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, fleeing and eluding police, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, and a misdemeanor charge of resisting an officer without violence.

His lawyers said he is innocent and that they intend to work with prosecutors to present the full facts of the case.

Police reports also stated that Pearce and Jackson had recently ended a three-year relationship.

Jackson told officers she had blocked his phone number, but he allegedly continued contacting her using another number, despite her message telling him to leave her alone.

The NFL said it is aware of the situation and will review the matter under its personal conduct policy, while the Falcons said they are gathering more information.

Pearce had an impressive rookie season in 2025, finishing third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting and recording a team-leading 10.5 sacks.