A Minnesota state trooper has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of Ricky Cobb II during a routine traffic stop. The case has exposed tensions between law enforcement officials and prosecutors, highlighting the ongoing struggle for police accountability in the wake of high-profile incidents of police brutality and racial injustice.
On July 31, 2023, Minnesota State Patrol Trooper Brett Seide pulled over Ricky Cobb II on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis for a traffic violation – his tail lights were not functioning. The routine stop took a tragic turn when it was discovered that Cobb had a felony warrant for violating a no-contact order. Trooper Ryan Londregan arrived at the scene to assist Seide. As the troopers attempted to arrest Cobb, he refused to comply and resisted their efforts to remove him from the vehicle.
During the altercation, Trooper Londregan fired two shots at Cobb, fatally injuring him. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office later determined that Londregan’s use of deadly force was unnecessary and not justified under Minnesota law. The charges filed against Londregan include second-degree unintentional murder, first-degree assault, and second-degree manslaughter.
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The decision to charge Trooper Londregan marks a significant moment in Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty’s tenure, as she becomes the first prosecutor to charge a law enforcement officer in an on-duty shooting since her election in 2022. Moriarty’s office conducted an independent review of the case, including consulting a use-of-force expert, to determine the appropriateness of the charges. This move reflects a growing trend of increased willingness to hold law enforcement officials accountable for their actions, particularly in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder and the subsequent nationwide outcry for police reform.
The shooting of Ricky Cobb II has ignited public outrage and renewed calls for justice and police accountability. Cobb’s family, devastated by his death, has expressed their desire for closure and justice. Nyra Fields-Miller, Cobb’s mother, has mourned the loss of her son and emphasized the need for accountability in law enforcement. The family’s attorney, Harry Daniels, has also voiced their commitment to seeking justice and holding police officers accountable for their actions.
In response to the charges against Trooper Londregan, the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA) has come forward to defend the trooper. They argue that the troopers were acting in accordance with their legal responsibilities and faced a rapidly evolving and potentially life-threatening situation. The MPPOA asserts that the troopers used their training and acted appropriately to address the imminent threat posed by Cobb’s attempts to escape.
The Minnesota State Patrol has launched an internal affairs investigation into the shooting, which will inform employment decisions regarding Trooper Londregan. The investigation aims to provide a comprehensive review of the incident, evaluate the training and policies of the State Patrol, and ensure accountability within the department. Additionally, Trooper Londregan will remain on paid leave during the investigation, as per his labor contract.
Minnesota law allows police officers to use deadly force only when necessary to protect against a specific identified threat of great bodily harm or death. The law emphasizes that an objectively reasonable officer must believe, based on the circumstances known at the time, that such force is necessary. The State Patrol’s policy on the use of force states that troopers should not fire at a moving vehicle unless deadly force is authorized and should avoid positioning themselves in a way that increases the risk of the vehicle being used as a deadly weapon.
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Body camera footage from the incident played a crucial role in the investigation and subsequent charges. The footage captured the events leading up to the shooting and provided valuable evidence for assessing the trooper’s actions. Additionally, investigators found two cartridge casings, a cell phone, and a handgun in Cobb’s vehicle. However, it is important to note that at no point in the body camera or car video was Cobb seen holding the firearm.
The case of Trooper Londregan and the shooting of Ricky Cobb II have further fueled the ongoing conversation surrounding police reform and accountability. The incident highlights the need for enhanced training, improved policies, and increased transparency within law enforcement agencies. It also underscores the importance of holding officers accountable for their actions to build trust between the police and the communities they serve.