Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr has been charged with five felonies after allegedly striking a police officer and crashing into a vehicle driven by WNBA player Rickea Jackson while attempting to evade arrest, according to a criminal complaint obtained by ESPN.
The 22-year-old NFL rookie, who was released on Sunday night after posting a $20,500 bond, faces charges including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer. The incident occurred in Miami-Dade County on Saturday.
Jackson, a forward for the Los Angeles Sparks, told police that Pearce followed her in a Lamborghini SUV and tried to open her car door at a red light. She drove away, but Pearce continued to pursue her as she headed towards a police station. Jackson said Pearce then rammed his vehicle into the rear of her car and later collided head-on with her near the station.
Police officers arriving at the scene found Pearce standing outside his SUV. According to the affidavit, an officer drew his weapon and ordered Pearce to the ground, but Pearce instead got back in his car and attempted to leave. During the struggle, Pearce's SUV struck an officer's knee, which the affidavit described as intentional to evade arrest. After a short pursuit, Pearce's car crashed at an intersection, and he fled on foot before being apprehended. He resisted arrest by tensing his arms and was later taken for medical treatment.
Jackson told police she had recently ended a three-year relationship with Pearce and blocked his number, but he continued to text her from another phone. She showed the messages to authorities. The Falcons released a statement saying they are gathering information and will not comment further on an open legal matter.
