**Falcons’ James Pearce Jr. arrested on multiple charges** including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing and eluding police following a domestic dispute in South Florida on Saturday[1][2]. The 23-year-old edge rusher was arrested in Miami-Dade County after fleeing the scene of an incident involving his girlfriend, WNBA star Rickea Jackson, according to Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez[3].
**Circumstances of arrest:** Pearce fled a domestic dispute and subsequently crashed his vehicle during a police pursuit at Northwest 103rd Avenue and 66th Street[3]. He was booked at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center at 6:58 p.m. Saturday, with his bond pending[2].
**Criminal charges:** The charges include two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, one count of aggravated stalking, fleeing and eluding police, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, and resisting an officer without violence[2].
**NFL context:** Pearce, selected 26th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, had a standout rookie season with 10.5 sacks—the most for any rookie since Micah Parsons in 2024[2]. He finished third in AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting[2].
**Team statement:** The Falcons released a prepared statement noting they are aware of the incident and gathering information but declined further comment on the open legal matter[2].
