Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. faces three felony charges and one misdemeanor following an incident on February 7 in Doral, Florida, involving his ex-girlfriend, Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson.
Prosecutors filed the charges on Friday, reports ESPN.
Pearce allegedly followed Jackson’s vehicle, repeatedly collided with it—including rear-ending her car at a stoplight and a head-on crash near the police station—while she sought help.
When officers arrived, Peace reportedly fled, leading to a chase that ended in a crash. He then ran on foot, resisted arrest, and was subdued.
The three felonies are aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence. An initial felony aggravated stalking charge was reduced to a misdemeanor stalking.
A separate felony charge of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer was dropped due to insufficient evidence.
Pearce, 22, was arrested, spent a night in jail, and posted $20,500 bond the next day. Jackson obtained a protective order barring contact and proximity. His legal team maintains his innocence, stating that the allegations do not tell the full story.
The NFL is reviewing the matter under its personal conduct policy.
Pearce, a former first-round pick, recorded 10.5 sacks in his rookie season.
