Falcons OLB James Pearce Jr. Now Faces Three Felony Charges

"Pearce has been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence to his or her person, while the arrest charge of felony aggravated stalking was reduced to a misdemeanor. The fifth original arrest charge of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer was dropped from his slate."

"Pearce was the subject of at least seven 9-1-1 calls regarding Jackson and allegations of domestic disturbances prior to the incident which resulted in his arrest. Police records indicate numerous instances when Jackson reported feeling unsafe with respect to stalking and harassment on the part of Pearce in the months leading up to his arrest."

"According to the court filing, Pearce 'verbally and physically abused' Jackson on multiple occasions. It also states Pearce 'threatened to kill, harm and injure' Jackson and 'place a bag over her head.' The initial protection request was granted. A permanent injunction hearing is scheduled for April 21."

Falcons rookie outside linebacker James Pearce Jr. faces three remaining felony charges: aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence. Two charges were reduced or dropped—felony aggravated stalking became a misdemeanor, and aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer was dismissed due to insufficient evidence on police body camera footage. The February arrest followed a car crash while fleeing police during an alleged domestic dispute with WNBA player Rickea Jackson. Prior to the arrest, police received at least seven 911 calls regarding domestic disturbances and allegations of stalking and harassment. Court filings allege Pearce verbally and physically abused Jackson, threatened to kill or harm her, and threatened to place a bag over her head. A protective order was granted, with a permanent injunction hearing scheduled for April 21. An NFL investigation remains ongoing.

Read at Pro Football Rumors