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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 criminal charges, including two counts of aggravated battery 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 November 2, 2025. (Brian Fluharty/Imagn Images)
He posted $20,500 bond Sunday and was released from Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Facility. 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 law enforcement, ESPN reported, citing a criminal complaint filed by the Miami-Dade County District 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 walking toward the Doral Police Department, while Pearce allegedly followed her. As she got closer to the station, she said Pearce cut her off and collided with 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 allegedly pointed a gun at Pearce in an attempt to force him to the ground and end the incident, but he got back in his car and drove away. He allegedly hit a police officer as he walked away.
Pearce then crashed his vehicle and was charged with resisting arrest.
“We look forward to working with the State Attorney’s Office to fully investigate this matter 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, it is not the complete and complete story. We look forward to vigorously defending our client and remain confident that he will continue to contribute positively to both his team and the community he serves so well.”
The Falcons said they were “gathering more information” about the incident but were faced with the decision of whether to keep it in place as the official start of the 2026 NFL season is just weeks away.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. (27) is interviewed after an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, January 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik, file)
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Pearce finished third in NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting and was in attendance at the NFL Honors Thursday night in California.
