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New details emerged Monday regarding the arrest of Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr.
Pearce was arrested outside Miami last week and faces several felony charges, including two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking and fleeing or eluding police. Pearce was involved in a domestic dispute with his WNBA girlfriend, Doral police said.
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Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. (27) warms up before the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Nov. 2, 2025. (Brian Fluharty/Image Images)
He posted $20,500 bail Sunday and was released from the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. He was ordered to stay away from his girlfriend.
Pearce allegedly crashed his vehicle into another car driven by his girlfriend and struck a police officer while trying to flee from police, ESPN reported, citing a criminal complaint from the Miami-Dade County state’s attorney’s office.
The alleged victim told police she noticed Pearce following her in a white luxury vehicle and when she stopped at a red light, the NFL player attempted to open her vehicle. The victim said she began driving toward the Doral Police Department, while Pearce allegedly followed her. As she approached the station, she said Pearce cut her off and bumped into her head.
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Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. (27) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 21, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
Doral police officers responded to the scene, according to ESPN. An officer reportedly pointed a gun at Pearce to try to force him to the ground and end the incident, but he allegedly returned to his car and drove away. He allegedly hit an officer as he walked away.
Pearce later crashed his vehicle and was charged with resisting arrest.
“We look forward to working with the State Attorney’s Office to fully investigate this case and uncover the truth,” Pearce’s attorneys told ESPN. “Mr. Pearce maintains his innocence and urges the public to understand that while the allegations have the power to shape a narrative, they are not the whole story. We look forward to vigorously defending our client and remain confident that he will continue to positively contribute to both his team and the community he serves so well.”
The Falcons said they were “gathering more information” about the incident but face the decision of whether to keep him on the roster as the official start of the 2026 NFL season is weeks away.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. (27) is interviewed after an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Jan. 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik, File)
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Pearce came in third in NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting and was at the NFL Honors Thursday night in California.
