Falcons LB James Pearce Jr. Arrested After Multiple Domestic Disturbance Calls

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. was arrested in February after allegedly ramming his ex-girlfriend Rickea Jackson's car with his Lamborghini SUV as she tried to flee to a police station. Police records show there were at least seven previous 911 calls made about Pearce in the weeks leading up to the incident, with reports of stalking, harassment, and attempted break-ins at Jackson's home.

Why it matters

The case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in domestic violence situations, where multiple prior incidents may occur before an arrest is made. It also raises questions about the NFL's personal conduct policy and how the league will handle the allegations against one of its rising young players.

The details

According to the police reports, Pearce allegedly rammed Jackson's car on February 7th after she tried to drive to the Doral Police Department to get away from him. The incident was one of several altercations between the two in the preceding weeks, with police being called to Jackson's home multiple times for reports of stalking, harassment, and an attempted break-in. Pearce was eventually arrested and is facing five felony charges, including aggravated battery and aggravated stalking. He has maintained his innocence, but Jackson has said she is willing to testify against him if the case goes to trial.

• In November, a woman called police saying Pearce came to her residence, knocked on the door repeatedly, and called a landline 'various times', but she refused to open the door and told him to leave.
• On January 13, police told Pearce to stay away from the home of a woman described as his ex-girlfriend.
• On January 28, police responded to two calls - one stating a burglary was in progress with Pearce 'the subject', and another where a woman said she was 'in fear' after her door was damaged, though Pearce was not there when police arrived.
• On February 2, a security guard told police Pearce was stalking his client and had been spotted at her home 'on multiple occasions over the past several days'.
• On February 7, Pearce was arrested after allegedly ramming Jackson's car with his Lamborghini SUV as she tried to flee to a police station.

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Pearce out on bail while the charges are pending.