A Minnesota State Patrol trooper has been charged with murder in the shooting death of motorist Ricky Cobb II during a July traffic stop. Trooper Ryan Londregan is facing charges of second-degree unintentional murder, first-degree assault, and second-degree manslaughter in the incident. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced the charges during a news conference, stating that deadly force was not necessary in this case and that Cobb should still be alive today.
The shooting occurred when Trooper Brett Seide initially pulled Cobb over for a traffic violation, noticing that the taillights on Cobb’s Ford Fusion were out. It was later discovered that Cobb had a warrant for a felony order-for-protection violation. Trooper Londregan and Trooper Garrett Erickson arrived on the scene to assist Seide in apprehending Cobb. During the altercation, Londregan shot Cobb after he refused to exit his vehicle. Cobb managed to drive away but stopped on the interstate shortly after. Despite attempts to save him, Cobb died at the scene.
The Minnesota Public Safety Department’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, responsible for investigating police shootings, revealed these details. The charges against Trooper Londregan highlight the need for law enforcement officers to use deadly force only when facing a specific identified threat of great bodily harm or death. The incident has raised concerns about excessive use of force and calls for justice for Ricky Cobb II.
The shooting death of Ricky Cobb II adds to the ongoing national conversation about police brutality and the need for police reform. It serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the need to address systemic issues within law enforcement. The case will now proceed through the legal system, and the outcome will be closely watched by advocates for police accountability and justice reform.
