A harrowing incident involving a family being towed in their car while still inside has led to a federal lawsuit. Ayana Brown, representing herself and her minor children, filed a complaint on December 23, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Cameron Skaja, Philip Ayala, and Jorge Pineda.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on November 18, 2023. Ayana Brown and her family were driving back to Chicago after purchasing a car when they were pulled over by Illinois State Police officers for allegedly passing another vehicle on the shoulder. The officers involved were identified as Trooper Cameron Skaja and Sergeant Philip Ayala. According to the complaint, after removing Brown's husband from the vehicle and placing him in their squad car, the officers called for a tow truck operated by Jorge Pineda of the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Despite being informed by Brown that her children were inside the vehicle, Pineda proceeded to tow the car with them still inside under orders from Skaja and Ayala. The complaint details how the car was towed at speeds exceeding 50 miles per hour along a highway. This distressing experience resulted in physical injuries and emotional trauma for Brown and her children; Jane Doe defecated on herself while John Doe urinated on himself due to fear. Brown also suffered a head injury diagnosed as a concussion at a local hospital following their release.
The plaintiffs argue that these actions violated their Fourth Amendment rights against unlawful searches and seizures. They are seeking compensatory damages for their injuries and punitive damages against each defendant for what they describe as unreasonable and unlawful conduct without legal justification.
The lawsuit further claims that both police officers received formal reprimands from the Illinois State Police following an internal investigation into their conduct during this incident. The complaint also notes that both Skaja and Ayala admitted their actions violated specific directives within the state police department.
Represented by attorney Hayden L. Dinges from The Blake Horwitz Law Firm, Brown is demanding justice through compensatory damages, punitive damages, court costs, attorneys’ fees, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court. The case is presided over under Case ID: 1:24-cv-13161.