Falcons Rookie LB Charged with 9 Traffic Violations After Police Chase

James Pearce Jr. faces additional citations on top of felony charges from domestic dispute incident

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Atlanta Falcons rookie linebacker James Pearce Jr. has been charged with nine additional traffic violations following a police chase in Miami on January 7th. This comes on top of the five felony charges and one misdemeanor charge he received for an alleged domestic dispute with his former girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson, during which he allegedly drove his car into both Jackson's vehicle and a Miami police officer.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the legal troubles facing the young NFL player, which could jeopardize his professional football career before it even begins. It also raises concerns about domestic violence and the need for better support systems for athletes and their partners.

The details

According to reports, Pearce was arrested on January 7th in Miami-Dade County following an alleged domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend, Rickea Jackson. Pearce allegedly drove his car into Jackson's vehicle and then into a Miami police officer who responded to the scene. In addition to the six criminal charges, Pearce was cited for reckless driving, driving on the wrong side of the road, and fleeing from law enforcement.

  • The incident occurred on January 7, 2026 in Miami, Florida.
  • Pearce was arrested and charged on January 7, 2026.

The players

James Pearce Jr.

A 22-year-old rookie linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons who was involved in a domestic dispute and police chase in Miami.

Rickea Jackson

Pearce's former girlfriend, who is a WNBA player.

Miami Police Officer

A police officer who was allegedly hit by Pearce's vehicle during the incident.

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What they’re saying

“Pearce was allegedly stalking Jackson, his ex-girlfriend, and attempted to enter her vehicle at an intersection, but Jackson sped away from him. Pearce reportedly pursued Jackson and allegedly crashed his car into hers twice in an attempt to keep her from contacting police.”

— Andy Slater, Miami-area TV journalist (on3.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Pearce to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the serious legal and personal issues that can arise when professional athletes are involved in domestic disputes. It underscores the need for better support systems and accountability measures to prevent such incidents and protect all parties involved.