Antoinette Collier has filed a compelling lawsuit against the City of Monona, its police department, and Sergeant Adam Nachreiner, alleging misconduct leading to the tragic death of her granddaughter, Aajayah M. Ray. The complaint was filed on December 30, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin. The case brings to light serious accusations against law enforcement practices that resulted in a fatal car crash.
The narrative unfolds with Antoinette Collier, as the independent administrator of Aajayah M. Ray’s estate, accusing Sergeant Adam Nachreiner of initiating an unlawful vehicle pursuit that ended in tragedy on January 1, 2023. According to the complaint, Nachreiner followed a Volkswagen SUV without reasonable suspicion or legal justification simply because its occupants were Black. Despite no traffic violations or suspicious behavior from driver Rashad L. Nelson and passengers Aaron J. Willis and Aajayah M. Ray, Nachreiner pursued them aggressively using an unmarked police vehicle.
Collier’s lawsuit alleges that Nachreiner violated multiple policies of the Monona Police Department (MPD), which are designed to prevent unnecessary risks during vehicle pursuits. These policies emphasize officer discretion and public safety over immediate apprehension unless there is probable cause for suspecting criminal activity—a standard not met in this case according to the plaintiff. The suit details how Nachreiner continued his pursuit beyond jurisdictional boundaries into Madison and Dane County, disregarding protocols from both jurisdictions’ law enforcement agencies.
The pursuit culminated in a horrific crash after stop sticks were deployed at high speeds—an action known to pose significant danger to vehicle occupants when traveling over 30 mph. Tragically, this led to the Volkswagen losing control and crashing into a tree before bursting into flames, resulting in Aajayah’s untimely death.
Collier’s legal team argues that Nachreiner acted with “deliberate indifference” and “shocked the conscience,” constituting a state-created danger under federal civil rights laws (42 U.S.C §1983). They assert that his actions were racially motivated and deliberately reckless given his extensive training and experience as an emergency vehicle operations instructor.
In seeking justice for Aajayah’s death, Collier demands compensatory and punitive damages from all defendants involved—City of Monona, its police department, and Sgt. Nachreiner—for their roles in this preventable tragedy. The relief sought includes compensation for burial expenses, loss of future support, love, care, affection along with attorney fees under applicable federal statutes.
Representing Antoinette Collier is Michael L. Gallagher from Gallagher Law Offices LLC based in Chicago and the case is under Case ID: 25-cv-1068.
Source: 325cv01068_Collier_v_City_of_Monona_Complaint_Western_District_Wisconsin.pdf
