The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is currently investigating an officer involved critical incident that took place in the City of Monona, Wis. on the evening of Monday, January 1, 2024.
The incident began when Monona Police Department Sergeant Adam Nachreiner, an officer with almost 21 years of law enforcement experience, initiated a traffic stop of a suspicious vehicle for reckless driving at Nichols and Monona Drive. However, the vehicle chose to flee from the scene. In an attempt to stop the vehicle, Dane County Sheriff Sergeant Jonathon Matz, who has 11 years of law enforcement experience, deployed a tire deflation device during the pursuit.
Unfortunately, the chase ended tragically as the vehicle crashed near the intersection of Femrite Drive and Buckeye Road in the Town of Cottage Grove. All three occupants of the fleeing vehicle, identified as Rashad Lamar Nelson, age 30, Aajayah Monai Ray, age 19, and Aaron Javon Willis, age 30, did not survive the crash and died at the scene.
Thankfully, none of the involved law enforcement officers were injured during the incident. Both Monona Police Department and Dane County Sheriff's Office squad cars are equipped with dashboard cameras, which will likely provide valuable evidence for the ongoing investigation.
Following standard procedure, the law enforcement officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative duty while the investigation is carried out. The DCI is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Wisconsin State Patrol, a DCI Crime Response Specialist, and members of DCI's Digital Evidence Unit. All parties involved are fully cooperating with the investigation.
The DCI is currently reviewing the evidence and working to establish the facts surrounding this incident. Once the investigation concludes, investigative reports will be turned over to the Dane County District Attorney for further action. At this time, no further information is available, and the investigation remains ongoing.
For media inquiries, please contact the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.doj.state.wi.us/news-releases/update-city-monona-wis-officer-involved-critical-incident