Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr has been charged with five felonies after allegedly striking a police officer and crashing into a car driven by WNBA player Rickea Jackson. The incident occurred on Saturday in Miami, according to a criminal complaint obtained by ESPN.
Pearce, 22, was released from custody on Sunday night after posting a $20,500 bond. The charges include aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking and aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer.
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 he continued pursuing her as she headed towards a police station. Jackson said Pearce then drove into the rear of her car, and later hit her vehicle head-on near the station.
When officers arrived, they found Pearce standing outside his SUV. An officer drew his gun and ordered Pearce to the ground, but Pearce got back into his car and closed the door. According to the affidavit, Pearce's SUV struck an officer's knee as he attempted to flee. After a pursuit, his car crashed at an intersection. Pearce fled on foot but was apprehended after resisting arrest.
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. The Falcons issued a statement saying they were aware of the incident and would not comment further on an open legal matter.
